A true embodiment of “Be the change you want to see in the world,” Denise Woodard—the founder of Partake Foods—quit her nearly decade-long career at various companies, including Coca-Cola Co., to found her own start-up. In 2016, her daughter Vivienne was diagnosed with severe food allergies and her options for delicious, exciting foods dwindled.
Woodard’s response? She started her own company that now boasts a variety of cookies, baking mixes and snacks that are all free of the top nine allergens (including wheat, peanuts, dairy and eggs).
@denisegwoodardSince then, Woodard—who is half-Black and half-Korean—has broken barriers, including becoming the first Black woman to raise $1 million publicly for a food start-up. Beyond Partake, Woodard actively promotes diversity and inclusion in entrepreneurship and encourages women of color to start their own businesses. One-hundred percent of Partake’s leadership team identify as women and more than 50 percent of their investments come from Black investors.
Don’t be surprised if you start seeing Partake everywhere. Their recent announcements include a partnership with DoubleTree Hotels, Ben & Jerry’s ice cream and Sam’s Club (in addition to Whole Foods, Sprouts, Target, Trader Joe’s and Kroger).
Put your dollars toward female-founded businesses. “In 2022, only two percent of the total capital invested in venture-backed startups went to women,” Woodard told us.
