Since 1991, the California Grocers Association Educational Foundation (CGAEF) has proudly awarded $10 million in scholarships, transforming countless lives and empowering the next generation of leaders.
But this is just the beginning. Through the CGAEF $10 Million Scholarship Campaign, we invite you to join us in doubling this legacy. Together, we can pave the way for another $10 million in educational support, ensuring even more individuals can achieve their dreams and become the future leaders of the grocery industry.
Your support is more than a gift — it’s a commitment to the future of our industry and the students we serve. Let’s build on this incredible milestone and continue creating life-changing opportunities, one scholarship at a time.
June Wong
After immigrating to the United States from Hong Kong at age 23, June Wong got her start in the grocery industry as a senior benefits manager for Smart & Final. While balancing her full-time career and motherhood, June began her educational journey with support from multiple CGAEF scholarships. Since earning her bachelor’s degree, June has advanced to her current role as Director of Benefits at Superior Grocers.
Quinn Hall
Quinn Hall joined the grocery industry to work his way through high school and community college, but has since grown a passion for the industry. A 2020 CGAEF scholarship recipient, Quinn’s pursuit of higher education helped him move up from head clerk at North State Grocery, Inc. to Store Leader, where he now oversees 70 employees and manages all aspects of store operations.
Jason McKee
A second-generation grocer, Jason McKee got his start in the grocery industry as a courtesy clerk for Ralphs while attending Cal Poly Pomona. That part-time position evolved into a full-time grocery career in-store, and then at the corporate office. Today, Jason serves as SVP of Merchandising Support for Heritage Grocers Group.
Kelly Peterson
When Kelly Peterson received her CGAEF scholarship, she was working as a cashier at Whole Foods Market while attending UCLA. Since, she’s received her degree in psychology and has been promoted five times. Kelly applies her degree daily to support her team as Senior Team Member Services Business Partner.
Lyova Hayrapetyan
Lyova’s pathway to the grocery industry began working in retail and distribution in Armenia. After moving to the U.S. in 2010, he joined Super King Markets as courtesy clerk. He quickly realized a formal education would help him advance and went on to earn his degree in Professional Accounting from CSU Northridge in 2018. Fourteen years later, he has grown with Super King and now serves as Director of Analytics.
Carol Adams
When she began her grocery career, Carol Adams enjoyed the flexibility the industry offered while raising a family. Thirty-five years later, Carol’s work ethic and commitment to higher education have helped her advance to National Replenishment Buyer at Albertsons Vons Pavilions. As of February 2024, Carol holds a Bachelor of Science in Management from California Coast University.
Alison Pettit
When Alison received her first CGAEF scholarship, she was working as a cashier at Cardiff Seaside Market. With encouragement from her department manager and store leaders, Alison went back to school pursue her business degree and deepen her understanding of the grocery business. Now Front-End supervisor, Alison looks forward to earning her degree and furthering her career at Cardiff.
Elizabeth Donate
Elizabeth started working at Super A Foods as a box helper while pursuing her accounting degree. The skills she developed over the course of her education helped her advance to Assistant Manager and bookkeeper. Going forward, Elizabeth would like to pursue an additional certification to advance to more senior financial roles in the industry.
Issac Granados
For the first 15 years of his grocery career, Issac Granados learned from on-the-job experience. Since gaining exposure to the academic side of the industry and earning his AA degree, Issac has gained confidence in his role as Store Manager at Stater Bros. Markets and developed as a leader.
Ryan Adams
After putting his education on hold early in his grocery career, Ryan Adams earned his bachelor’s degree in 2014 with help from CGAEF scholarships. A combination education, learning on the job, and mentoring has helped him get to where he is today. After 25 years with Vons and Albertsons, Ryan currently serves as President and CEO of Gelson’s Markets.
