Her Story
About Jessica
Jessica Hagen is a food safety and quality professional with more than 16 years of experience in the food manufacturing and regulatory compliance industry. Jessica currently serves as the Quality and Food Safety Manager at Advenshure, LLC, where she leads the development and implementation of comprehensive food safety systems for a growing operation that includes meat processing and retail facilities. Her expertise spans quality management systems, regulatory compliance, supplier quality assurance, and continuous improvement, with a strong focus on building food safety programs from the ground up.
Before joining Advenshure, Jessica spent nearly seven years as a Quality System Specialist at Mrs. Gerry's Kitchen, where she played a key role in developing and maintaining FSMA, HACCP, and SQF programs. She managed internal audits, hazard analyses, supplier approval processes, documentation control, and regulatory compliance while working closely with research and development, microbiology, and quality leadership teams. Earlier in her career, Jessica served as a USDA Food Inspector, enforcing federal food safety regulations and conducting poultry inspections, and as a Quality Control Laboratory Technician at Amtech Ingredients/Merrick's, where she performed laboratory testing and quality assurance for food ingredients. She began her career in food manufacturing as a Sanitation Worker at Ventura Foods, gaining firsthand experience in sanitation, allergen control, and USDA-regulated production environments.
Jessica earned an Associate's degree in Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies from Riverland Community College, demonstrating her commitment to lifelong learning while advancing her career. She is recognized for her expertise in food safety management, quality systems, internal auditing, supplier risk assessment, and regulatory compliance. Guided by the values of honesty, empathy, and integrity, Jessica is passionate about fostering strong food safety cultures and encourages aspiring women in the industry to pursue their passions with confidence and determination.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Jessica
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my dedication and strong work ethic. I believe that consistently showing up, giving my best effort, and maintaining a commitment to excellence have enabled me to overcome challenges and achieve my goals. Hard work, perseverance, and a willingness to continuously learn have been the foundation of my professional growth.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is to embrace constructive criticism and use it as an opportunity to grow. Feedback, even when it’s challenging to hear, provides valuable insights that help me improve my skills, strengthen my performance, and become a more effective professional. I’ve learned that a willingness to learn from others is essential for continuous growth and long-term success.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Follow your passion and pursue your dreams. If your journey leads you to this industry, embrace the opportunity with confidence, work hard, and believe in yourself.
04What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that are most important to me in both my work and personal life are honesty, empathy, and integrity. I believe these principles build trust, strengthen relationships, and guide me in making ethical decisions every day.
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