#WhyWednesday: LAURETTE RONDENET
We are thrilled to continue our #WhyWednesday series with Laurette Rondenet!
#WhyWednesday is a weekly feature of a leader that is involved in our organization. A “why” is the reason they decided to become involved with Female Strong, what female empowerment and leadership mean to them, or why they do what they do.
Laurette is the President and CEO of Edlong Dairy and a member of our Female Strong Young Professionals Board. Laurette Rondenet has more than 20 years of experience in the food ingredient industry, running the over 100-year-old global family business that specializes in the development and manufacturing of dairy flavors and high-intensity dairy ingredients used by leading brands.
Under Laurette’s leadership, Edlong has experienced unprecedented growth in the highly competitive flavors category, and is certified as a Women’s Business Enterprise. She leads the organization with a commitment to nurturing long-term, integrated relationships with both customers and employees, and in bringing value to the customer with innovative products and attentive service that truly differentiates Edlong. The company’s mission: “to enrich the lives of those we touch.”
Laurette has a BS in Food and Nutrition with Business from Purdue University, beginning her career with the Ball Corporation in Consumer Affairs. She joined Edlong in 1993 where she has held positions across the organization and became President in 2001. Laurette is also an active member of :
FEMA—Flavor and Extract Manufacturers Association Board of Governors
SAGE—President’s Forum
WBE—Women Business Executives
WBENC – Women Business Enterprise National Council Enterprise Forum Member
NAWBO-National Association of Women Business Owners
NAWBO Chicago’s Woman Business Owner of the Year – 2017
IWF-International Women’s Forum
Society of Fellows- Culinary Institute of America
Institue of Food Technologist/STEM
Girls Inc.
UIC Entrepreneurial Hall of Fame -2014
My mom showed me there are many ways to live a life. You do not have to conform. You deserve to be happy. Believe you can do anything you desire.
Female Strong creates that space for young women to believe in themselves and to experiment with pushing their own boundaries. A lesson they will carry with them their whole lives. There is no better way to gain confidence and shine.
