2024 Star Women in Convenience winner: Yvonne Ghabrial

Category manager      

MacEwen Petroleum | Quickie Convenience

How did you get into this business?

Gas and convenience runs in my blood. My parents were retailers for more than 20 years. I spent countless weekends dusting shelves and executing planograms! It was only fit that I was driven toward this industry. I have been in the C&G business for 10 years and have done everything from being an attendant to a retailer and now a category manager.

What work-related accomplishment are you most proud of during the last 12-18 months?

I recently launched a tasty Baked Goods Program across the whole company that we believe will complement our freshly ground coffee perfectly.

What do you like most about your job?

I love the interactions and relationships I make with colleagues and fellows in the industry. I am a people person, and that connection makes my job interesting and provides a world of knowledge. 

What was the biggest challenge of your career? 

Transitioning from a self-employed role to an employed role. I am very much a leader, and so it was quite the adjustment into my current role. 

What's the best advice you ever received?

'The only way to do great work is to love what you do.' I encourage everyone to follow their dream and passion.

What's your career highlight/biggest achievement?

I pride myself in excelling this quickly in my current role. I was promoted twice in under two years from associate category manager to acting and then category manager. 

What excites you most about the future of this channel?

The innovation that keeps everyone on their toes. The newness of products and services that are currently in the works and will keep developing are what excite me. 

How do you define yourself as a leader?

I am definitely a leader. I am always leading by example and willing to share the knowledge I have with team members to help shape the company. Comfortably, I calculate risks, make informed decisions and communicate them to a full boardroom. Being a retailer and managing a team of 15 staff members helped me grow into that leader and find the right people to achieve mutual success.