Denise Woodard

Denise Woodard is the Founder and CEO of Partake Foods, a company known for its allergy-friendly cookies and baking mixes inspired by her daughter's food allergies. Since its launch in 2017, Partake Foods has expanded its reach and is now available in over 9,000 retailers including Target, Kroger, and Whole Foods Market. As a trailblazer, Woodard became the first Black woman to raise more than $1 million publicly for a consumer-packaged goods (CPG) food startup. To date, her company has secured over $19 million in funding from notable investors such as HER, Rihanna, Cleveland Ave, FF2032, and Marcy Ventures Partners. Partake Foods was ranked #45 on the 2022 Inc. 5000 list, highlighting its rapid growth and success in the industry.

In addition to her role at Partake, Woodard is deeply involved in mentorship and fostering future leaders in the food and beverage sector. She is the Founder-in-Residence of Target's Forward Founder's Program, where she has mentored three cohorts, and the Founder of Black Futures in Food & Beverage. This fellowship program provides HBCU students with mentorship, internships, and job opportunities, aiming to cultivate the next generation of industry innovators. Woodard also serves on the board of Naturally New York and the advisory board for the UNC Shuford Center for Entrepreneurship. Her commitment to education and mentorship is further demonstrated by her involvement in the WP Carey School of Business Dean’s Council.

Before establishing Partake, Woodard accumulated a decade of experience in CPGs working for various Fortune 100 companies. She holds a BA from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and an MBA from Arizona State University. A seasoned speaker, Woodard has shared her insights at events for major organizations such as Microsoft, Victoria's Secret, Danone, Carta, and Target, delivering actionable advice with optimism that engages and inspires her audience. Her leadership extends beyond business acumen, embodying a dedication to inclusivity and opportunity in the food and beverage industry.