For Angela Stasi, a Cook Manager with Norse Catering, International Women’s Day is about celebrating the achievements of women.
Angela Stasi has worked for Norse Catering for 30 years now, starting out as a Catering Assistant and now heading up the school dinner team at Sheringham Community Primary School and Nursery.
Throughout her long career, she has championed equality and diversity within the workplace and has been steadfast in leading by example: “I don’t ever ask any members of my team to do a job that I am not prepared to do myself.
“I also believe in giving people opportunities to improve – everyone is equal in my eyes.”
Angela, who has undertaken extensive training with Norse, tries to instil in her staff the same attitude she has for food safety, cleanliness and caring for customers.
“I have catered in the past for a local special needs school starting at just age four, and cooked for Meals on Wheels, which means I have catered for customers aged four to 94!
“I train all new staff when they start working in my kitchen and follow all Norse’s rules and regulations, as well as Food Safety and Environmental Health regulations, and expect my team to do the same.”
Angela believes it is important to observe International Women’s Day for a variety of reasons.
“It’s good to celebrate women’s achievements – socially and economically, and to encourage cultural equality and diversity within the workplace,” she says.
“If everyone can work together, it makes for a better workplace, and that is one step closer to a better world.
“Most of those working in school kitchens are female and I try to do what I can in general to Break the Bias in society by recognising their abilities and encouraging them to grow within their roles.
“I reassure them that with hard work and a positive attitude, they can keep improving, learning and taking on new responsibilities.
“Then, when opportunities arise here or anywhere else, they are ready to take them.”
Q: Is there a woman you particularly admire?
A: My Mum. She worked very hard with my Dad to bring up a family of eight, and I learned so much from her. She cared for us and encouraged us in all we did. This is why I always encourage my team to do and be the best they can.
Q: What advice would you give to a young woman just starting out on her career?
A: I recently had to give advice to a young woman I know. I encouraged her to believe in herself, work hard, embrace the challenges she would face and to enjoy the experience and not be put off by others. The result was that she now has a new job as Cook Manager!
