About us

FEAD (Female Entrepreneurs in Agri-Food Development) is a program dedicated to empowering and advancing women entrepreneurs in the dynamic food processing sector.

At FEAD, we are committed to guiding and supporting our participants throughout their journey, from business ideation to product development and placement and community support. FEAD members represent the diverse food and beverage sector owning a breadth of businesses in: restaurants, beverages, manufacturing, brick-and-mortar retail, online retail, butcheries, livestock, agriculture, greenhouse production, bakeries, cafes, and catering services.

Operating in multiple provinces and territories including Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, Saskatchewan, Yukon, and the Northwest Territories, the FEAD Program extends its reach to women entrepreneurs across the country.

As an initiative of the Saskatchewan Food Industry Development Centre, FEAD is proudly supported by the Government of Canada's Women Entrepreneurship Strategy (WES) Ecosystem Fund. This funding enables us to provide the highest level of guidance and resources to our participants, making FEAD the only federally-funded, inter-provincial program specifically designed for women entrepreneurs in the agri-food sector.

Supporting the founders, feeders, leaders and dreamers in agri-food with growth, knowledge and community.

Mission Statement

Did you know?

The FEAD team's offices are strategically located within the Saskatchewan Food Industry Development Centre in Saskatoon, SK. This intentional decision allows them to effectively serve and connect their members to Food Centre resources, providing them access to vital technical support necessary for establishing and sustaining a flourishing agri-food business. As a non-profit organization, the Food Centre is passionately committed to driving food innovation and minimizing capital risks associated with new ventures.

The Food Centre acts as a one-stop shop, supporting the entire journey from idea conception to commercialization. FEAD is thrilled to leverage the Food Centre's expertise, further lowering the barriers to entry for their members within the agri-food space by overcoming unique technical and regulatory challenges. 

Kendra Wack

Executive Director

Kendra is from Rosetown, Saskatchewan. Growing up on a mixed family farm, she was able to learn first hand about the industry's intricacies and the dedication of primary producers.

Kendra completed a Home Economics (K-12) Education Degree and is the youngest USask MBA alumnus.

As a dedicated small-business owner for over a decade, she has firsthand experience navigating the entire agri-food supply chain. From farm to fork, Kendra's insights and knowledge are the backbone of her mission.

Beyond her career and entrepreneurial pursuits, Kendra actively serves as a Board of Directors member for Agriculture in the Classroom Saskatchewan, University of Saskatchewan SIGMA Program, as well as sits on the Executive Steering Committee for Saskatoon Willowgrove Constituency. Kendra also works as a Management Consultant focused on Human Resources, Marketing, Communications, and Strategy in the Agri-Food and Health Sectors.

  • Diet Coke

  • Olives from Pop-Wine Bar

  • Golfing and Photography

Nafisa Mahabub

Operation + Program Coordinator

Nafisa Mahabub

Nafisa Mahabub, originally from Bangladesh, embarked on her journey abroad at 18, moving to Minnesota to pursue a Bachelor's. Armed with a Master's in Economics from the University of Saskatchewan, and a Bachelor's in Economics and International Studies from Minnesota State. A certified Venture Capital Ready Trainer, her forte lies in program development, data analytics, and logistics.

As the valedictorian at Minnesota State, Nafisa's accolades extend to playing in Bangladesh's national Handball team and representing her nation at the World Cup. Her global recognition blossomed when invited by the US State Department to the World Summit of Nobel Peace Laureates, where she conversed with influential figures like His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Professor Muhammad Yunus, and President Jimmy Carter.

Known for her data prowess, energetic demeanor, and organizational finesse, Nafisa's career aspirations orbit around perpetual growth and skill refinement. Having explored 18 countries and 21 states, Nafisa, an avid traveler, values the enriching experiences gained from diverse cultures.

  • Ted Lasso

  • Fuchka (Bangladeshi street snack)

  • The Kite Runner

  • English, Bengali, Hindi, Urdu

Lindsay Toth

Member + Marketing Coordinator

Introducing Lindsay, a marketer and designer with a passion for all things food. Originating from Saskatchewan, Lindsay holds an honours degree in Visual Communications from Medicine Hat College.

With a career spanning over a decade, Lindsay worked both as an Art Director and Creative Director. Her extensive agency experience encompassed designing and executing strategic marketing initiatives for clientele in the ICT, hospitality, retail, and food + beverage sectors.

Noteworthy among her achievements is her collaboration with Great Western Brewing, where she rebranded Original 16 beer. The refreshed primary & secondary packaging and environmental designs are prominently featured across retailers and arenas throughout Western Canada.

Lindsay transitioned to the team at FEAD following completing a marketing contract at Three Farmers Foods (the largest manufacturer of pulse-based snacks in Canada). Lindsay is eager to infuse her industry experience into her work at FEAD.

  • Dodgeball & Beach Volleyball

  • Bo, a mixed-breed dog from the SPCA

  • Charcuterie AKA Girl Dinner