Leadership Studies Student Spotlight: Cherie Girolami

Industry/Sector: Grocery/Retail Management 
Cohort/Anticipated Graduation Date: Summer 2026 

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Please tell us about yourself.

I grew up in Colver, Pennsylvania, a small country town surrounded by hills and farmland. Colver was an amazing palace to grow up with dirt roads, nearby wildlife, and the simple joys of small town life. I was the first in my family to attend college, enrolling at Pennsylvania Highlands Community College where I graduated in 2014 with my associate degree in general studies. In 2015, driven by a sense of adventure, I relocated to Ventura, California, to pursue new opportunities. I joined Smart & Final, and quickly found success, eventually becoming a service manager. When the company offered the retail management program, I spent a few months taking the management classes, and I discovered my calling in business. A few years later, I earned a retail management certificate through Cerritos College, moved to South Lake Tahoe for new opportunities, and continued my education by enrolling at Cal Poly Humboldt while staying with Smart & Final. I progressed within the company to become a store manager and completed my B.A. in Leadership Studies, combining on the job growth with formal study. My goal is to continue my education with a master's degree, and one day to open my own business. 

What motivated you to enroll in the Leadership Studies program?

My motivation to enroll in this program was to grow into the store manager role. I started with a lot of fear and doubt about my ability to lead, worried I wouldn’t be effective. The program pushed me out of my comfort zone, taught practical leadership skills, and showed me how to guide a team with clear communication, accountability, and support for others. 

Can you tell us about your scholarship from the California Grocers Association Educational Foundation (CGAEF) ? 

Being a part of a retail chain like Smart & Final enabled me to apply for a Grocers Scholarship to fund my education. Each year I applied for and received the Grocers Scholarship, and the California Grocers Association also reimbursed an amount of my tuition for maintaining good grades. The Grocers Scholarship has been a meaningful part of my educational journey during an important time in my studies. 

What is something of value that you have learned within the program and applied in your work life? 

The leadership program taught me to become a strong leader for my team. I can share what I’ve learned and adapt it to my work life, guiding associates, encouraging hard work, and supporting them in pursuing their dreams. I let them know I am here to help them take the reins and steer their direction. I never thought I could be a leader, but this program helped me become who I am today. I now run a grocery store with amazing associates, applying the tools from the program and carrying them forward toward my future goals and education. It has shown me that hard work and dedication pays off when you set your mind to something and never give up.

What do you think are the most important qualities in a leader? 

The most important leadership qualities I value are clear communication, trust, respect, and leading by example. Clear, open communication aligns goals and roles and speeds up problem-solving. Trust encourages people to speak up and own their contributions. Mutual respect fosters safety and solid relationships. I always tell my team to lead by example because it ensures consistent standards and integrity, which motivates others to mirror those behaviors.

What are your goals after completing your bachelor’s degree? 

After completing my bachelor's degree, I plan to pursue an MBA to deepen my knowledge and skills, then develop a detailed business plan to launch my own venture. I believe this path will help me gain advanced expertise, build a strong professional network, and validate a clear, practical strategy for service ideas, market fit, and financial viability. My focus will be on setting measurable milestones for both the master's program and the early business concept.