What to Wear to Work Leah Lizarondo, Founder, Food Rescue Heroes
In this bi-weekly series, we interview female executives, founders, CEOs - basically boss ladies - about the "power suits" - the effortless attire they wear every day to beat any job.
The pandemic has affected nearly every aspect of our lives. According to Feeding America (open in new tab), more than 50 million Americans are currently facing hunger. This is a staggering and frightening statistic, but thankfully, numerous non-profit organizations and volunteers are taking action to help those in need.
Food Rescue Hero is one such organization; as CEO and co-founder Leah Lizardo explains, Food Rescue Hero (opens in new tab) is a DoorDash for food surplus: users download the Food Rescue Hero app download and volunteer to pick up surplus food from Safeway, Giant, Whole Foods, and other grocery stores, which is then delivered directly to families and individuals suffering from food shortages. The company launched in 2018 and currently operates in 12 cities. From that time to the present, 20,000 drivers have delivered more than 40 million pounds of food, diverting it from landfills (reducing the carbon footprint by 12 million pounds in the process) and using it to feed those in need instead.
In March, at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, Food Rescue Hero had a record number of downloads. The company was immediately mobilized and rescued more than 16 million pounds of food. I always tell my staff that you can't predict these situations or crises, but this is a crisis that was created for us," she says. It has been truly fulfilling for everyone who works at Food Rescue Heroes, and for all of our partners, to know that we can make a real difference."
For Lizaronde, consciously living (and dressing) every day is just part of who she is. Here is what the Pittsburgh-based founder wears to make each day count and make a difference in her community and across the country.
It's certainly different during a pandemic. We get the puppies out and get them water and food. For me, this is the golden hour when I don't want anyone to disturb me. I have three kids in virtual school. But this is the only time I drink coffee; I open the New York Times app and read the news. This is the only time I read the news. I try not to look at the news because it distracts me. Then I meditate, walk the dog, read and respond to emails and Slack.
In the early days of the pandemic, it was quite a novelty to put on pajamas and go outside. I would say, "Yeah, I'm going to change. I'm going to change at the end of the day and get ready for the night. So I would change, but every day was different. If I have a lecture scheduled, I think about what I'm going to wear the day before. Otherwise, it's kind of like Groundhog Day (Groundhog Day), where you just repeat several sets of clothes. But the funny thing is, when the pandemic started, everyone was talking about sweatpants. I think it's time to start. I haven't bought sweatpants yet, but I do have track pants. There's a designer named Paolina Russo, and she makes great clothes out of recycled fabrics. She collaborates with Adidas and I have a pair of Adidas track pants. You can dress them up or down.
I love my old leather jacket for zoom meetings. One of my favorite local designers, Kya Tomlin, is also there. She makes clothes that are really comfortable and put together. For jewelry, there is a local woman-owned jewelry company called Studebaker Metals that has a few things I wear all the time, including a good luck charm ring. Every time you wear it, it gives you iconic confidence.
Edgy, comfortable, and sustainable.
There is a company called First Mile that started in Pittsburgh. They hire people to collect plastic bottles from landfills, turn them into chips, eventually yarn, and eventually fabric. Major clothing companies buy (their fabric) to make sustainable clothing. I have a pair of Pumas that are made from fabric made from plastic bottles. I wear them almost every day. I try not to buy too many clothes I don't need. It's a little comforting to know that they are made from recycled plastic bottles and are new again.
I have a Diane von Furstenberg necklace. It's a Carrie Bradshaw necklace, but instead of Carrie, it says "In Charge." The reason I got this necklace is because two years ago I won a pitch competition in New York City. This necklace reminds me of that winning moment. I always feel empowered when I wear it
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