The Movement Shaking Up the Industry: Alexandra Mortati & Women in Pizza: Episode 50

“Pizza wasn't just a meal in my house; it was the celebratory item after every win, the center of every sleepover, and the force that defined our family without us even realizing it. 🍕”In this episode of The Pizza Story, host Erica D'Arcangelo sits down with Alexandra Mortati, the visionary founder behind Women in Pizza. Alexandra’s story is a beautiful blend of deep-rooted family tradition and modern entrepreneurial spirit. Growing up surrounded by the flour, tomatoes, and olive oil of her family’s 78-year-old food importing business, Orlando Foods, Alexandra initially set out to forge her own path as a storyteller and English major. However, the pull of the dough was too strong to resist.What started as a side hustle managing social media for her father’s company quickly turned into a life-changing realization: the incredible women in the pizza industry were doing world-class work but often lacked the platform and recognition they deserved.Alexandra shares the inspiring journey of how she took a single "Power Hour" at a trade show and scaled it into a global nonprofit movement. We dive deep into the "sisterhood" of the pizza world, the importance of mentorship, and how storytelling can bridge the gap between a 70-year-old legacy and the future of the industry. Whether you are a business owner looking to grow your community or a pizza lover who appreciates the heart behind the shop, this conversation is for you.🎙️ Episode Highlights:✅ The Pizza Bloodline: Alexandra and Erica bond over their shared history of growing up in "pizza families" and how those early Friday night pizza crews shaped their work ethic.✅ The Pivot to the Family Business: How a need for "subway fare" led Alexandra back to Orlando Foods and why she and her father believe they are "only at the beginning" after nearly 80 years.✅ Creating a Movement: The birth of Women in Pizza and why Alexandra felt a deep need to create a space that celebrates women in every role—from the makers and owners to the accountants and suppliers.✅ Overcoming the "Boy's Club" Mentality: A look at the adversity women face in the culinary world and how this organization provides a lifeline of support and visibility.✅ Mentorship & Growth: Details on the new mentorship programs, grants, and scholarships being offered to help women take their pizza businesses to the next level.✅ The Science of Storytelling: Why Alexandra believes words and shared experiences are the most powerful tools for evolving the industry.✅ Iconic Pizza Memories: Alexandra’s favorite moments in the NYC pizza scene, including witnessing the filming of Diners, Drive-ins and Dives and training with the legends.✅ How to Get Involved: How listeners (both men and women!) can join the movement, sign up for the newsletter, and support the nonprofit mission.♥️ Connect with Women in Pizza 🌐 Website: womeninpizza.com 📸 Instagram: @womeninpizza 📧 Email: [email protected]🙏🏼 Support The Pizza Story Podcast & A Story About PizzaIf you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, hit the Like button, and share it with a fellow pizza lover!Website: https://www.astoryaboutpizza.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/astoryaboutpizza/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@storyaboutpizza YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AStoryAboutPizza A Story About Pizza Book: https://www.amazon.com/Story-About-Pizza-Erica-DArcangelo/dp/1917116993 Pietro’s Pizza Children’s Book: https://www.amazon.com/Pietros-Pizza-Story-About/dp/B0DTYZ15WB/ Pietro’s Pizza Toppings Children’s Book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FJM15W22/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0Pietro’s Italian Christmas: https://www.amazon.com/Pietros-Italian-Christmas-Erica-DArcangelo/dp/B0G2GQX78W/ #pizza #culinaryjourney #italian #podcast