2026 Star Women in Convenience winner: Saadia Alleyne
Saadia Alleyne
Sales analysis & administration manager
JTI-Macdonald Corp.
What do you like most about your job?
The most rewarding part of my role is supporting my team and contributing to the success of the broader organization. I also value the opportunity to take on challenges, building resilience, finding solutions and moving forward together with a shared sense of purpose.
Biggest career challenge?
Stepping outside my comfort zone and into uncertainty. Over the past three years, I’ve tested and strengthened my resilience by exploring different parts of the organization and taking on new responsibilities. Each transition pushed me to apply what I’ve learned over the past eight years in new ways, and it has been one of the most meaningful drivers of my growth.
What’s the best career advice you’ve received?
To always be my authentic self. When challenges arise, I remind myself that they are seasons, one moment in time that does not define my future or who I am, but rather offers an opportunity to learn, grow and overcome.
What excites you most about the future of this channel?
I’m excited by the future of this channel because of our increasingly diverse portfolio and the pace of technological and innovative adaptation, even within a highly regulated industry. I’m especially encouraged by how thoughtfully we can integrate tools like AI into our day-to-day work to improve how we operate, strengthen decision-making and continue meeting, and ultimately exceeding, consumer expectations.
Nomination highlights
Saadia Alleyne is a leader who makes a lasting impact not only through her professional accomplishments, but through the positivity, resilience and integrity she brings to every interaction. After thoughtfully stepping back from a previous managerial role to better balance personal and professional priorities, she continued to excel in multiple coordinator positions before earning a promotion in 2025. In her current role, she oversees key operational and financial functions for the region, including OPEX management, sales budgets, forecasting, inventory oversight and sales administration processes that support strong regional performance. She also directly leads team members responsible for data analysis and program forecasting while collaborating closely with senior leadership on strategic planning and retailer support initiatives. Alongside her career progression, she completed her MBA at Laurentian University while working full time, raising two daughters, caring for her mother and volunteering extensively through her church. Her ability to lead with humility, perseverance and purpose makes her an inspiring and deserving Star Woman in Convenience.
Click here for a full list of the 2026 Star Women in Convenience winners
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