Dolores Reyes's Story

Breaking into a male-dominated industry isn’t easy—but it’s where I found my purpose. From the start of my career with Sodexo, I was determined to show that leadership, resilience, and innovation know no gender. Today, as Assistant Operations Director overseeing multiple IFM and Food Service accounts, I see every challenge as an opportunity to inspire teams, drive results, and pave the way for others.

I still remember my first day managing eight client sites across NCR, North Luzon, and South Luzon in 2019. Deliveries were delayed, staff were stretched thin, and problems seemed to appear faster than solutions. It could have been overwhelming, but instead, it became my proving ground. I learned that leadership isn’t about control, it’s about empowering people, fostering collaboration, and turning obstacles into milestones.

From there, I took the helm of Sodexo’s largest food operation in the Philippines, leading back-of-house and front-of-house teams while collaborating with colleagues across the Asia Pacific. The complexity of the role sharpened my skills, strengthened my confidence, and showed me how diverse perspectives create stronger solutions.

In 2021, during the height of the pandemic, I faced some of my toughest tests yet: disrupted supply chains, strict protocols, and high-pressure service demands. That year, I was humbled to receive the Director’s Award and the APAC Rising Star Award—recognitions that celebrated not only my work, but the collective effort of the teams I had the privilege to lead.

My journey from Contract Manager to Assistant Operations Director is proof that growth and leadership are earned through resilience, collaboration, and courage. 

At Sodexo, a culture rooted in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion has given women like me the platform to lead, innovate, and make impact in industries where we were once underrepresented.