Flor Jurado

I attribute my success to a combination of persistence, curiosity, and people. Being a first-generation Latina, I didn’t always see myself represented in leadership, I learned early on how to advocate for myself, work hard, and keep learning even when things felt uncomfortable or uncertain.

I’ve also been intentional about listening and learning from others. I don’t believe success happens alone. I’ve been fortunate to build and be part of strong teams, and I focus on creating environments where people feel respected and empowered to contribute. When people feel valued, they perform better as a result so does the business.

Finally, I’m not afraid of starting from zero. Building a plant from the ground up taught me how to problem-solve, adapt, and lead through complexity, and those experiences shaped the leader I am today.

First, believe that you belong, even on the days when the room tells you otherwise. Especially in male-dominated or technical industries, confidence doesn’t come before action; it comes from action. Speak up, ask questions, and take up space.

Second, focus on learning the business deeply. Technical knowledge matters, but so does understanding people, processes, and how decisions get made. That combination is powerful.

And finally, find mentors and allies, but also trust your own voice. Your perspective is an asset. You don’t have to change who you are to succeed, your background, your culture, and your experiences will make you a stronger leader if you let them.

One of the biggest challenges in food manufacturing right now is balancing efficiency and growth with people, quality, and sustainability. We’re being asked to move faster, scale smarter, and adapt to constant change, whether that’s supply chain disruptions, workforce shortages, or evolving customer expectations.

At the same time, that challenge is also a huge opportunity. There’s potential to improve processes through technology, data, and cross-functional collaboration but only if we invest in our people. Automation and innovation work best when teams are engaged, trained, and aligned.

I see a real opportunity for leaders to rethink how plants are run by building operations that are not only productive but also respectful, inclusive, and resilient. When culture and process improvement move together, the impact is long-term.

Respect, integrity, and empathy are core values of mine both at work and in life. I believe how we treat people matters just as much as the results we deliver.

In my work, that means creating an environment where collaboration is encouraged, continuous improvement is expected, and people feel safe to contribute ideas and challenge processes. I want teams to feel proud of their work and connected to the bigger picture.

Personally, I value hard work, accountability, and staying grounded. I carry a strong sense of responsibility, not just to the company but to the people who trust my leadership. Success means building something that lasts and lifting others as you grow.