BIO:
- Name: Denise Woodard
- Title/Position: Founder and CEO of Partake Foods
- Industry: Food and Beverage
- Location: New York, USA
- Age: Information not publicly available
- Net Worth: Specific figures not publicly disclosed
Denise Woodard’s Story
Denise Woodard’s entrepreneurial journey began in 2016, inspired by her daughter Vivienne’s diagnosis of multiple food allergies. Facing limited options for safe and tasty snacks, Denise decided to make her own. She founded Partake Foods, a company dedicated to creating delicious, allergy-friendly products that everyone can enjoy.
Before embarking on her entrepreneurial path, Denise amassed a decade of experience in the consumer packaged goods industry, working with Fortune 100 companies, including The Coca-Cola Company. This corporate background equipped her with valuable insights and skills that she later applied to her own venture.
Starting Partake Foods was not without challenges. Denise faced numerous rejections—86 investors turned her down—but her resilience paid off. She became the first Black woman to raise more than $1 million publicly for a consumer packaged goods food startup.
She is one of the most innovative female e-commerce entrepreneurs who has positioned Partake Foods as a leader in the allergen-friendly snack industry.
Career Highlights
Key Milestones:
- 2016: Founded Partake Foods after her daughter’s food allergy diagnosis. citeturn0search0
- 2017: Launched the company’s first product line—delicious, better-for-you, allergy-friendly cookies.
- 2020: Became the first Black woman to raise over $1 million publicly for a consumer packaged goods food startup.
- 2022: Partake Foods ranked #45 on the Inc. 5000 list, recognizing the fastest-growing private companies in America.
- 2024: Partnered with JetBlue to offer Partake cookies as in-flight snacks, expanding the brand’s reach to airline passengers who also suffer from allergies.
Achievements:
- Product Expansion: Under Denise’s leadership, Partake Foods expanded its product line to include baking mixes and pancake & waffle mixes, all free from the top nine allergens.
- Retail Presence: Partake products are now available in over 11,000 retailers, including major chains like Target, Kroger, and Whole Foods Market. citeturn0search1
- Philanthropy: Denise founded Black Futures in Food & Beverage, a fellowship program that mentors students from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), aiming to increase diversity in the food and beverage industry.
Denise Woodard’s Net Worth
While specific figures regarding Denise Woodard’s net worth are not publicly disclosed, her wealth primarily stems from her successful ventures in the food and beverage industry. As the founder and CEO of Partake Foods, she has led the company through significant growth, securing investments from high-profile individuals and firms, including Marcy Venture Partners, co-founded by Jay-Z, and pop icon Rihanna. These investments have not only provided capital but also elevated the brand’s visibility in a competitive market.
Denise’s strategic leadership and innovative approach have positioned Partake Foods as a prominent player in the allergen-friendly snack sector.
Denise Woodard in the News
- Partake Foods closes $4.8 million funding round: In 2021, Denise’s company secured significant funding.
- CNBC Changemaker: In February 2025, Denise was honored as a CNBC Changemaker, recognizing her efforts in transforming the food industry and promoting inclusivity. citeturn0search8
- Inc. 5000 Recognition: Partake Foods was ranked #45 on the 2022 Inc. 5000 list, highlighting the company’s rapid growth and success under Denise’s leadership. citeturn0search9
Quotes by Denise Woodard
- “I saw a future where people enjoyed foods that were safer because they enjoyed them, not just because they were an ‘allergy-friendly’ option.”
- “Treat everyone with respect—from the CEO to the janitor. Be honest. No matter how painful it is to tell the truth, tell the truth.”
- “I tried to raise seed funding, but I got nearly 100 ‘no’s.”
FAQs: Most Asked Questions About Denise Woodard
What is Denise Woodard’s net worth?
Specific figures are not publicly disclosed. However, her financial success is evident through the growth and valuation of Partake Foods, bolstered by significant investments.
How did Denise Woodard become successful?
Denise’s success stems from identifying a gap in the market for allergy-friendly snacks, leveraging her corporate experience, and showing resilience when faced with funding rejections.
Who is Denise Woodard?
Denise Woodard is the founder and CEO of Partake Foods, a company offering allergy-friendly snacks. Inspired by her daughter’s food allergies, she created products safe for those with dietary restrictions.
Is Partake Cookies black owned?
Partake Foods was founded by Denise Woodard, a Black Korean-American.
