2026 Star Women in Convenience winner: Jennifer Schnell
Jennifer Schnell
Senior operations & product specialist, c-store
Federated Co‑operatives Limited
How did you get into this business?
I started as a part-time c-store clerk and quickly realized I was hooked. I love the pace of retail—the constant change, organized chaos and never knowing what’s next.
What are you most proud of?
Supporting the rollout of Iced Co-operative Coffee, the Hot Takes Program and our Dog Parks, particularly watching the programs gain traction and drive sales across the CRS.
What do you like most about your job?
I’m surrounded by a strong team that challenges one another and drives real change in our industry. I also have the privilege of supporting incredible experts who take the tools I provide and turn them into real success stories.
Biggest challenge?
Learning to trust my own voice and perspective. Imposter syndrome is hard to overcome but pushing myself and surrounding myself with others who also gently push me into opportunities and idea sharing builds confidence.
What’s the best career advice you’ve received?
Thinking through tasks A to Z. If it isn’t going to work in-store, then it won’t work at all. This has shaped how I approach everything: ensuring tools and programs are practical, usable and truly help teams succeed.
Career highlight?
Developing and supporting people in their own growth. I hired a young man as a pump attendant who progressed through multiple roles to become my assistant manager and now, I work alongside him at Federated Co-op. For me, success has always been about building relationships and helping others reach their full potential.
What excites you most about the future?
The constant change. I’m excited to keep adapting and finding better ways to make an impact.
Nomination highlights
Jennifer Schnell is an exceptional winner of the Star Women in Convenience Award due to the expertise, positivity and operational leadership she brings to the industry every day. Although she has been with FCL for just over three years, she brings more than a decade of hands-on convenience and fuel retail management experience from operating multiple co-op c-stores and gas bars. Her deep operational knowledge, combined with her collaborative and supportive approach, has made her a trusted resource across the organization. From senior leadership to front-line store teams, colleagues rely on her expertise, guidance and commitment to going above and beyond. Her influence has directly contributed to stronger execution, improved store standards and enhanced customer experiences across the network. She has led several impactful initiatives, including the development and rollout of a new full-scale hot food program, management of an independent c-store program for Tempo locations and multiple food innovation pilots. She also oversees a large sampling program that supports private label growth and regularly presents at operational and training clinics across Western Canada. She also actively contributes to employee engagement initiatives through FCL’s engagement committee, social committee and women’s inclusion network, helping foster a positive workplace culture.
Click here for a full list of the 2026 Star Women in Convenience winners
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