Suzanne K. Rajczi Scholarship
Suzanne K. Rajczi: A Legacy of Leadership, Innovation, and Empowerment in Foodservice
With a distinguished career spanning over 40 years in the foodservice industry, Suzanne K. Rajczi has built a reputation as an innovative leader, culture builder, and advocate for the next generation of foodservice professionals. As a nationally recognized expert in foodservice distribution, Suzanne has led multimillion-dollar operations, championed diversity and employee engagement, and cultivated strong industry partnerships that drive success at every level of the supply chain.
Suzanne’s deep passion for the foodservice industry was shaped by her early experiences growing up in a family-owned restaurant, where she developed an appreciation for the dedication, resilience, and entrepreneurial spirit that define the hospitality world. This foundation propelled her into an executive leadership role at Ginsberg’s Foods, where she served as Chief Executive Officer and Chief Operating Officer, overseeing strategic growth, supply chain optimization, and cultural transformation within the company.
Throughout her career, Suzanne has been a tireless advocate for empowering women in foodservice. As Past Chairperson of the Women in Foodservice Leadership Committee at the International Foodservice Distributors Association (IFDA), she has worked to mentor and elevate women in the industry, ensuring greater representation and leadership opportunities. Her impact extends beyond business, as she has also dedicated herself to fostering the success of independent restaurateurs, culinary professionals, and emerging talent.
In recognition of her lifelong commitment to foodservice excellence and mentorship, Suzanne established the Suzanne K. Rajczi Scholarship at the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, NY. This scholarship is dedicated to supporting female students who grew up in the restaurant industry, particularly those from family-owned businesses, reflecting Suzanne’s own journey and belief in the power of hard work, passion, and perseverance.
Suzanne’s contributions to the industry have been widely recognized through numerous leadership roles, including Chairman of the Board for IFDA, Board Member of UniPro Foodservice, and Fellow of the Culinary Institute of America. Her accolades include the UniPro Key Distributor Award, Hudson Valley Magazine’s Women Who Mean Business Award, and multiple national marketing and leadership honors.
Now, as the founder of Foodservice Forward Consulting LLC, Suzanne continues to drive innovation in foodservice distribution, working with industry partners to enhance efficiency, profitability, and strategic growth. Her unwavering dedication to fostering talent and leadership in the culinary world ensures that future generations have the resources and support needed to thrive in an ever-evolving industry.
The Suzanne K. Rajczi Scholarship is a testament to her enduring impact and commitment to giving back—empowering the next wave of culinary leaders to achieve their dreams and shape the future of foodservice.