Partake Foods Bakes Inclusivity into Every Cookie, Creating a Sweeter World for All

The story of Partake Foods begins with a mother's fear and a child's diagnosis. When Denise Woodard's daughter, Vivi, was diagnosed with life-threatening food allergies, snack time transformed from a moment of joy into a source of anxiety. The search for safe, delicious, and wholesome options came up empty forcing a working mother to build her own solution. That decision, born from necessity and love, would eventually create one of the most inspiring women-led companies in the consumer packaged goods industry.

Partake Foods was founded in 2016 with a clear mission: make snacking safe, joyful, and inclusive for everyone. What started as a Kick starter campaign and cookies sold out of a car to New York City grocers has evolved into a certified B Corporation with products in more than 18,000 stores nationwide? The company's top-nine-allergen-free cookies, grahams, and vanilla wafers have brought the taste of classic treats to millions who previously faced limited options. This remarkable journey has positioned Denise Woodard as one of the 5 amazing women leaders to watch in 2026.

As a woman leader in the food industry, Woodard has broken barriers that extend far beyond the snack aisle. After 86 rejections from investors, she secured funding from Marcy Venture Partners co-founded by Jay-Z becoming the first Black woman to raise more than $1 million for a packaged food company. This milestone reflects the determination and vision that define her leadership and have fueled Partake's extraordinary business growth.

The Personal Mission Driving Business Growth

Partake's most distinctive competitive advantage among women-led companies is its origin story. Woodard built the company not as a market opportunity but as a solution to a personal crisis. This authenticity resonates with consumers who have been underserved by traditional snack brands. The company's top-nine-allergen-free formulation free from peanuts, tree nuts, milk, eggs, wheat, soy, fish, shellfish, and sesame opens the door to millions of households that previously had limited options. For Partake, this mission-driven positioning generates customer loyalty that transcends typical brand relationships. For Woodard, it has created a platform to advocate for inclusivity across the food industry.

The Certified B Corporation Advantage

Partake's certification as a B Corporation reflects a commitment to social and environmental responsibility that extends beyond profit. The company's Black Futures Fellowship supports HBCU students in the consumer packaged goods industry, creating pathways for diverse talent. This commitment to doing good while doing well attracts consumers who increasingly seek brands aligned with their values. For Partake, the B Corp certification serves as a trust signal that accelerates retail partnerships and consumer adoption. For Woodard, it demonstrates that women leaders can build businesses that prioritize both profit and purpose.

The Retail Expansion Engine

Partake has scaled from selling cookies out of a car to distribution in more than 18,000 stores, including Kroger, Target, Whole Foods, Walmart, and Thrive Market. This retail velocity reflects the company's product quality and consumer demand. The expansion into 18,000-plus stores has been fueled by the introduction of new products, including Classic Grahams the first top-nine-allergen-free graham cracker and Vanilla Wafers. Each new product expands the addressable market and drives incremental revenue. For Woodard, the retail growth trajectory validates the initial vision and creates momentum for continued expansion.

The Product Innovation Pipeline

Partake has built a product portfolio that transforms classic cookie flavors into wholesome, inclusive treats. Crunchy Chocolate Chip, Soft Baked Chocolate Chip, Soft Baked Snickerdoodle, Soft Baked Lemon, Crunchy Ginger Snap, Classic Grahams, Vanilla Wafers, and Mini Confetti Crunchy Cookies each address specific consumer preferences while maintaining the company's allergy-friendly standards. The introduction of snack packs and teeny tiny formats extends the brand's reach into new consumption occasions. For Partake, product innovation drives repeat purchases and increases average order value. For Woodard, it demonstrates that women leaders can build brands that compete with established players across multiple categories.

The Leadership Journey as Inspiration

Woodard's journey from 86 investor rejections to leading a company in 18,000 stores is a masterclass in resilience. She bootstrapped the company while working full-time, maxed out credit cards, emptied her 401(k), and even sold her engagement ring to keep the dream alive. This personal investment reflects a level of commitment that inspires both her team and her customers. For Partake, Woodard's story is the brand's most powerful asset a narrative that builds emotional connection and differentiates the company in a crowded category. For women leaders watching her journey, it demonstrates that persistence, not privilege, is the foundation of success.

A Vision for Inclusive Snacking

As Partake continues its growth trajectory, Woodard remains focused on the founding mission: make snacking safe, joyful, and inclusive for everyone. The company's fresh new look and expanded product line reflect a brand that is maturing while staying true to its roots. For Woodard, the vision extends beyond cookies to a world where food allergies no longer limit joy. This purpose-driven leadership style exemplifies why she is recognized as one of the 5 amazing women leaders to watch in 2026.

 Denise Woodard, Founder and CEO

"Partake was born from love, necessity, and a big idea: safe snacks for all. We turn classic cookie flavors into wholesome, inclusive treats because every mouth deserves to enjoy the simple joy of a delicious cookie."