In a world where the aroma of bubbling mozzarella and charred crust often signals a gathering of friends, it’s easy to overlook the complex machinery and the diverse faces behind the counter. For years, the spotlight in the pizza industry has traditionally skewed toward male “pizzaiolos.” But Alexandra Mortati, the visionary founder of Women in Pizza, is changing that narrative, one slice at a time.
On a recent episode of the Pizza Story Podcast, Alexandra shared her journey from a pizza-loving kid in a food-importing family to the leader of a global movement dedicated to empowering women in every facet of the industry.
A Legacy of Flour and Tomatoes
Pizza wasn’t just a career choice for Alexandra; it was her inheritance. Growing up in a family that ran Orlando Foods, an ingredient importing business with nearly 80 years of history, her childhood was soundtracked by the sounds of olive oil bottles clinking and flour bags being stacked.
“Pizza was always the celebratory item after any kind of win,” she recalls. “I was an English major in college because I loved storytelling, but I eventually realized that the greatest stories were right in front of me: the combination of food and the people who make it.”
Shattering the Glass Ceiling
The spark for Women in Pizza ignited in 2019. After witnessing a brief “Power Hour” for women at a trade show, Alexandra asked a pivotal question: Why are we only doing this for one hour a year?
She realized that while women were powerhouses in the kitchen, the office, and the supply chain, they often had to fight twice as hard for recognition. What started as a grassroots social media initiative quickly blossomed into a formal nonprofit organization.
The Mission of Women in Pizza:
- Storytelling: Using their platform to shine a light on the expertise, achievements, and histories of women in the field.
- Mentorship: A new program aimed at pairing industry veterans with newcomers to navigate the intense world of professional pizza-making.
- Grants and Scholarships: Providing financial aid for specialized training and business development.
- Community Building: Creating “sisterhood” through networking events at major festivals in Las Vegas and San Francisco.
Inclusion Beyond the Dough
One of the most refreshing aspects of Alexandra’s mission is her definition of a “Woman in Pizza.” It isn’t restricted to those tossing dough in the air.
“Every role is vital,” Alexandra explains. “You might manage the books, or you’re the manager responsible for the team, or you’re on the ingredient side as a supplier. I wouldn’t want anybody to be excluded.”
This inclusive spirit extends to men as well. Men are welcome to join the movement as “Supporters” to champion the women in their professional and personal lives.
The Culture of the Industry
Despite the long hours and physical labor, Alexandra describes the pizza community as uniquely welcoming—a sharp contrast to the high-pressure world of traditional marketing. In the pizza world, competitors often become collaborators because there is a collective understanding that a better industry benefits everyone.
“Having competition is a good thing,” she says. “Your competitors make you better. It’s nice to know that everything we’re doing is for the collective evolution of the industry.”
How to Get Involved
Whether you are an owner, an aspiring chef, a storyteller, or just a passionate fan of the craft, the Women in Pizza movement has a place for you. As Alexandra puts it, even for a 78-year-old family legacy, “we’re only at the beginning.” There is still so much dough to roll and so many stories to tell.
Follow Women in Pizza on Instagram @womeninpizza
Visit their website womeninpizza.com
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