Jennie Coleman, president and owner of Quebec-based Equifruit, believed in Fairtrade bananas before almost anyone else did. She has grown her company with the power of her convictions, aided by a leadership style that resonates with her employees. Coleman, who bought Equifruit in 2013, has become more deeply involved in North American industry associations in recent years, including the Canadian Produce Marketing Association, the Quebec Produce Marketing Association, the Ontario Produce Marketing Association and the Produce Marketing Association.
Coleman was born in Ottawa and went to the University of Toronto but had a very international career before entering the produce industry. From 2002 to late 2012, Coleman worked for Bombardier Transportation, a Canada-based manufacturer of planes, passenger rail manufacturing and more. Her roles included director of strategy, talent manager and manager of China strategy.