Her Story
About Yvonne
Yvonne is an accomplished executive leader in the agriculture, food and beverage, transportation, and logistics industries, with a career spanning more than three decades of operational leadership, supply chain management, and business development. Currently serving as Vice President of Strategy and Business Development at Tiger Lines, she is responsible for driving strategic growth initiatives and expanding transportation solutions across California's agricultural and waste management sectors. Recognized for her ability to lead complex organizations, optimize supply chains, and build high-performing teams, Yvonne has established a reputation as a results-driven leader who combines operational excellence with a strong commitment to people development.
Prior to her current role, Yvonne led some of the industry's most significant logistics and transportation operations, including overseeing the largest agricultural wine grape hauling business in the world at G3 Enterprises. There, she managed a $140 million operation involving approximately 140 employees and 650 drivers responsible for transporting nearly 1,400 loads of wine grapes daily during peak harvest season to California's top wineries. Throughout her career with organizations including Frito-Lay, Tyson Foods, E. & J. Gallo Winery, G3 Enterprises, True Organic, and JB Critchley, she has successfully scaled operations, transformed logistics networks, led mergers and acquisitions, and implemented innovative strategies that improved efficiency, profitability, and customer service. As one of the few women leading major agricultural transportation operations, she has also been a passionate advocate for increasing opportunities for women in traditionally male-dominated industries.
A proud graduate of California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo, Yvonne made history as the first woman to graduate from the Agricultural Engineering Technology program, now known as Ag Systems Management. She has remained deeply committed to education, leadership development, and community service throughout her career. Her leadership contributions include serving as President of the Cal Poly Alumni Association, Secretary-Treasurer of the California Association of Wine Grape Growers Foundation, and as a board member for organizations supporting agriculture and education. Guided by her commitment to creating opportunities for future generations, particularly women and the children of farm-working families, Yvonne continues to champion workforce development, mentorship, and leadership initiatives that strengthen both her industry and the communities it serves.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Yvonne
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to being goal-driven, detail-oriented, and disciplined in how I manage my time and priorities. Throughout my career, I have remained committed to continuous learning, strengthening my leadership skills, and pursuing opportunities for professional growth. I also believe that success is measured by the impact we have on others, which is why mentoring and helping people reach their potential has always been important to me. Each day, I strive to make a positive difference, lead with purpose, and contribute meaningful value to both my organization and the people around me. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family, RV camping, reading, and staying engaged with industry blogs and podcasts that inspire new ideas and lifelong learning.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
One of the best pieces of career advice I have ever received is that it is okay to pivot and change direction when new opportunities or passions emerge. Career paths are rarely linear, and I have learned the importance of continuing to move forward, remaining open to growth, and pursuing work that genuinely inspires me. Equally important is staying authentic to who I am. By embracing my values, strengths, and unique perspective, I have been able to build a career that is both meaningful and fulfilling.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this industry is to be bold, advocate for yourself, and have confidence in your abilities. Stand tall, take pride in how far you have come, and recognize the value of your unique experiences and perspective. I also encourage staying open to learning from others and embracing new opportunities, ideas, and challenges. Some of the greatest growth in my career has come from being willing to listen, adapt, and continuously expand my knowledge and skills.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest opportunities in my field is building strong relationships across a wide range of businesses while driving growth and operational excellence. Success requires strategic thinking, effective leadership of large and diverse teams, and a constant focus on improving efficiency and performance. I am energized by the challenge of identifying new opportunities, fostering collaboration, and implementing strategies that support sustainable growth, strengthen operations, and deliver meaningful results for both customers and organizations.
05What 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 continuous learning, kindness, respect, and positivity. I believe there is always something new to learn, and I strive to remain open-minded and curious in every situation. I also value being a good listener, treating others with respect, and creating an environment where people feel heard and supported. As a leader, I am passionate about empowering my team, encouraging their growth, and helping them achieve their full potential. Above all, I strive to bring positivity to those around me and make a meaningful impact through my actions and relationships.
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