LYNNWOOD—Quality Food Centers (QFC) announced that Mafi Vasquez, store manager of the Lynnwood QFC #835 located at 196th Street Southwest, received national recognition as a Top Women in Grocery (TWIG) honoree for Store Manager of the Year by Progressive Grocer (PG). She will join scores of women employed in all sectors of the grocery industry who will be celebrated during PG’s annual Grocery Impact event in November.
Vasquez earned the award for her leadership, community engagement, and dedication to her 83-member team. Originally from Peru, Vasquez studied nursing before immigrating to the United States and joining QFC. Her career in grocery retail became a platform for her commitment to helping others.
“Mafi Vasquez represents the very best of QFC. Her journey, resilience, and heart for people embody what leadership looks like in our stores every day,” said Brent Stewart, QFC President.
Vasquez fosters a supportive environment for her team and customers while prioritizing community service. She has led initiatives like QFC’s turkey donations, Food Lifeline packing events, and the Holiday Hunger Program, where her store excels in selling $10 food donation bags to support local food banks. Her Lynnwood QFC #835 store scored above 85% on holiday tours and surprise visits, metrics that also reflected Vasquez’s unwavering drive for excellence. Vasquez is also a founding member of QFC’s multicultural resource group.
“She leads with compassion, inspires her team, and makes a lasting impact on her community,” Stewart added.
The TWIG award, a prestigious honor in the grocery industry, recognizes women who drive progress in food retail. Vasquez’s contributions highlight her role as a leader and mentor. QFC, a division of Kroger Co., operates 59 stores in Western Washington and Portland, Oregon, and donates over $1 million and 2 million pounds of food annually to local communities.
Author: Mario Lotmore
