One Company, Many Journeys: How Sodexo Employees Thrive Across Every Segment

At Sodexo, no two career paths look the same. From airport lounges to hospitals, universities to refineries, our teams bring their unique experiences, skills, and passions to create exceptional service for the clients and communities we serve.

Each story reflects a shared truth: when you work at Sodexo, you are empowered to grow, supported by leadership, and connected to a culture that values purpose and people above all.

Let’s explore how six Sodexo professionals have each found their own way to thrive across our varied business segments. Ready to start your own journey? Visit us.sodexo.com/careers to explore opportunities.

Airport Lounges
Maudiel “Mario” Gonzalez, General Manager
For Mario Gonzalez, each step in his 21-year career has led him towards something greater. He began as a quick-service restaurant attendant at the Charlotte, North Carolina airport and steadily advanced through roles in culinary, training, and management, ultimately becoming a General Manager.

After nearly two decades in airport food service, Mario joined Sodexo in 2022 as an Operations Manager for the American Express Lounge. He saw the role as a strategic next step to immerse himself in the lounge business and strengthen his commitment to exceptional service. When the opportunity later arose to become General Manager, Mario was ready to lead his team with empathy and confidence. 

"By understanding and supporting my team, I build trust, encourage collaboration, and drive growth that leads to better results,” he shares.

Mario loves the energy and variety that comes with his role. "In airport lounges, no two days are the same,” he shares. “We are always connecting with different individuals and building new relationships. That is what makes this work so rewarding." He also values Sodexo’s commitment to work-life balance, which allows him to thrive both personally and professionally.

Corporate Services
Justin Marino, General Manager, Multi-Unit
Justin Marino has been with Sodexo for more than 27 years, and his career truly reflects what it means to grow within the company. He began as a pizza cook in 1998 while studying culinary arts and has since held nearly every role in food service, including sous chef, executive chef, general manager, and mentor.

Today, as General Manager, Multi-Unit, Justin oversees multiple HCA Healthcare corporate sites in Nashville, Tennessee, and Charlotte, North Carolina. "The most important part of my Sodexo journey has been the variety of roles I have been able to take on. That experience allows me to guide and support people in almost any position. My hope is that it leads me to the role where I can finish my career training Sodexo’s future leaders," he shares.

Justin values the strong leadership support within Sodexo’s Corporate Services segment. “Our Area General Manager, Kathleen Tisdale, has brought our team together by recognizing each person’s strengths and creating a supportive atmosphere unlike anything I’ve seen in years,” he shares. 

He also appreciates the healthy work-life balance his role provides, with nights, holidays, and weekends off. When he needed hip surgery, Sodexo’s Carrum Health benefit made the experience far less stressful by covering nearly all expenses, including his hotel stay and transportation.

Energy & Resources
Joanna Ruiz, Senior Manager, Area Support
When Joanna Ruiz joined Sodexo in 2015 as an Operations Support Specialist, she was eager to learn the business from the ground up. Over the next decade, she built her career through a series of challenging and rewarding roles that strengthened her operational expertise and leadership style.

From her early days supporting frontline teams to managing multi-service refinery operations, Joanna has developed a reputation for driving excellence through collaboration, trust, and accountability. Now, as Senior Manager, Area Support at the Chevron account in Houston, Texas, she partners closely with leaders to oversee new business transitions, stabilize operations, and ensure high-quality service across multiple locations. 

"My journey has taught me that leadership is not about titles. It is about showing up with integrity, earning trust, and making a real impact," Joanna shares.

What she loves most about working in Sodexo’s Energy & Resources segment are the people and the constant opportunities to grow. “Every day brings something new,” Joanna shares. “Whether it’s optimizing workflows or helping teams deliver outstanding service, I find meaning in turning challenges into wins.” She credits Sodexo’s inclusive culture and commitment to professional development for helping her thrive, noting that leadership training, mentorship, and learning resources have strengthened her skills to deliver her best each day.

Healthcare
Felisha Carpenter, General Manager, Environmental Services 
At Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center in Buffalo, New York, every detail matters. For Felisha Carpenter, leading an environmental services team in healthcare means knowing her team’s work truly helps save lives.

Felisha began her Sodexo career in 2008 as an Environmental Services Manager and has steadily advanced through multiple leadership roles. Her dedication to operational excellence, continuous learning, and mentorship helped her grow into her current position as General Manager. "I always lead by example, hold myself accountable and treat everyone with respect. I never stop learning and stay current with the latest advancements in our field," Felisha says.

Her favorite part of working in healthcare is the sense of purpose it brings. “Knowing I’m helping make a difference in the fight against cancer is incredibly rewarding. Our patients are among the most immunocompromised, and proper disinfection is essential to breaking the chain of infection,” Felisha shares. 

She credits Sodexo for fostering a strong sense of belonging from the very start by investing in her training as soon as she joined. That first impression has stayed with her ever since.

Senior Living
Stacy DiNardo, Director of Dining Services
For Stacy DiNardo, leadership is all about heart. After starting her career as a dishwasher in a senior living facility, she quickly rose through the ranks, driven by her compassion for residents and her dedication to her team.

Today, as Director of Dining Services at Collingswood Manor, New Jersey, Stacy leads with enthusiasm and empathy. "I give 110 percent to everything I do," she says. "I take great pride in what we deliver to our residents and the sense of home we create for them." She is also passionate about celebrating her team by honoring birthdays, cultural months, and holidays. This has made a positive impact on her team’s morale and strengthened their bond.

For Stacy, working in senior living is deeply fulfilling. “Many residents have left homes they’ve lived in for decades, and it’s our job to make this new chapter feel welcoming. Seeing them smile makes it all worth it,” she says. She’s also grateful for the trust and support of Sodexo’s leadership team, which gives her the freedom to manage her account her own way.

Universities
Zita Nisley, Director of Operations
For Zita Nisley, Sodexo has been part of her life since college. She started as a student lead worker at Northern Arizona University, blending smoothies and balancing coursework while discovering her passion for hospitality. After earning her degree, she decided to stay full-time with Sodexo, growing her career through various management roles on college campuses.

Zita now serves as Director of Operations at Colorado Mesa University in Grand Junction, Colorado. Her long tenure and deep institutional knowledge have made her a trusted leader among her team. Her colleagues describe her as a supportive and approachable leader who wants everyone to be successful.

Her favorite part of the role is the connection she builds with students. "College students are in an interesting transition phase of their lives, and I enjoy having a positive impact on them," Zita shares. She credits Sodexo’s culture of collaboration and growth for her own professional journey. From participating in training programs to engaging with employee resource groups, Zita has found countless opportunities to learn and connect. Most recently, she completed the General Manager Development Program, which has prepared her for her next step in her career.

Different Paths, One Purpose
Across every business segment, these Sodexo professionals share a common thread: a passion for people, a drive to grow, and a belief in making a difference every day.

Whether serving meals in a university dining hall, managing a hospital’s environmental services, running an airport lounge, or leading a refinery site, they each embody what it means to work with purpose at Sodexo.

At Sodexo, there is no single path to success, only the encouragement to find your own.

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