Sign In

Zoie Glass

Co-Founder/ President Midwest Pantry LLC

Professional Background

Zoie Glass is an esteemed entrepreneur and visionary leader, currently serving as the Co-Founder and President of Midwest Pantry, a Minneapolis-based organization dedicated to supporting food businesses in Minnesota. Her extensive experience in the food industry is underscored by her previous venture as the owner of Lucille’s Kitchen Garden, where she honed her skills in food production and business management. At Midwest Pantry, Zoie has developed an innovative model known as radical collaboration, which has transformed the approach for establishing and nurturing Minnesota food companies.

Under her leadership, Midwest Pantry has become a vital support system, working with over 500 food companies and corporate members. The organization uniquely partners with developers, municipalities, investor groups, and retail buyers to forge sustainable partnerships that foster growth and innovation in the food sector. Her work is not just about economic success; it’s about paving the road to sustainable development in the local economy through collaboration and shared resources.

Throughout her career, Zoie has demonstrated a commitment to driving progress within the food industry, continually advocating for the interests of Minnesota’s entrepreneurs and startups. This effort has placed her at the forefront of Minnesota’s economic development conversations, wherein her unique approach to business has garnered significant recognition.

Education and Achievements

Zoie holds a Bachelor’s degree in Media Studies with a focus on Communication from the University of Northwestern - St. Paul. This educational background has equipped her with valuable skills in communication, media relations, and strategic outreach, all of which are essential for navigating the dynamics of the food industry and fostering relationships with various stakeholders.

Her commitment to community and economic development has been acknowledged through numerous accolades. Zoie was recognized by the Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal as part of their prestigious Women in Business cohort, celebrating influential women leaders across the region. Additionally, she was honored with the 2018 Progress Minnesota Award from Finance and Commerce for her exceptional contributions to driving economic and industrial development in Minnesota through innovative and unique methodologies.

In 2017, Zoie's impact on the Minnesota startup community was celebrated when she was named a finalist for the TC Startup Week Uffda Award, which recognizes steadfast advocates within the Twin Cities' entrepreneurial ecosystem. Furthermore, her innovative spirit was acknowledged with the 2015 Eureka! Award for Innovation from the Minneapolis-St. Paul Business Journal, underscoring her capability to conceptualize and implement groundbreaking ideas that further benefit the local economy.

Achievements

  • Co-Founder and President of Midwest Pantry: Leading an organization that promotes collaboration among food businesses in Minnesota through innovative partnerships.
  • Owner of Lucille's Kitchen Garden: Founded a food company that reflects her passion for food production and sustainable business practices.
  • Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal’s Women in Business Award: An honor recognizing her impact and leadership in the business community.
  • 2018 Progress Minnesota Award by Finance and Commerce: Recognized for driving economic development in unique ways across Minnesota.
  • 2017 TC Startup Week Uffda Award Finalist: Acknowledged as a significant advocate for the Twin Cities startup community.
  • 2015 Eureka! Award for Innovation by Mpls-St Paul Business Journal: Celebrated for her innovative business practices and contributions to the food industry.

Through her leadership roles and innovative approaches, Zoie Glass continues to inspire and enable growth in the Minnesota food sector, creating an ecosystem where collaboration is at the forefront of economic development. Her passion for the industry, paired with her educational background and numerous accolades, showcases her commitment to reshaping the landscape of food entrepreneurship in Minnesota.

Related Questions

How does Zoie Glass's background in media studies contribute to her success in the food industry?
What specific strategies has Zoie Glass employed at Midwest Pantry to foster collaboration among food companies?
In what ways has Zoie Glass's approach to business innovation influenced the local economy in Minnesota?
How did Zoie Glass transition from owning Lucille's Kitchen Garden to leading Midwest Pantry?
What are the key elements of radical collaboration, as implemented by Zoie Glass, that have proven successful in supporting food businesses?
Zoie Glass
Add to my network

Location

St Paul, Minnesota, United States