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March is a powerful month in the pizza industry. It’s both Women’s History Month and Women’s Pizza Month, and according to industry leader Stephanie Swane, that intersection deserves more than a moment.
In a recent conversation with LloydPans, Swane reflected on the growth of Women’s Pizza Month, the evolution of industry visibility and why recognizing women shouldn’t stop on March 31.
The March Marches On
Swane has hosted more than 100 Instagram Live episodes featuring nearly 100 women in the pizza industry. But her challenge to operators, suppliers and media is simple: Why limit the spotlight to one month?
“Women’s Pizza Month is fantastic,” she said. “But there’s an opportunity to highlight women throughout the year. Period.”
While Women’s Pizza Month often celebrates contemporary makers, Swane believes Women’s History Month gives the industry a chance to look at its own history and properly credit the women who helped shape pizza as we know it.
Many iconic pizza stories have traditionally centered men. But history tells a more nuanced story. Swane points to Pizzeria Brandi, often associated with the Margherita legend, which was connected to a woman pizza maker in the 1800s. She also highlights Rose Totino, co-founder of Totino's, whose contributions to frozen pizza innovation are rarely emphasized in mainstream conversations.
Closer to home, she references Alyssa May Redmond, a Chicago figure credited with shaping early deep dish dough formulations yet overshadowed by more famous male restaurateurs.
“There have always been women making pizza,” Swane said. “What’s new is that we’re finally starting to credit them.”
Representation at Pizza Expo
Having attended Pizza Expo for over a decade, Swane has seen measurable progress in women representation on the show floor. But she also acknowledges that many women historically attended as spouses or behind-the-scenes operators rather than as recognized decision makers.
“I’m a decision maker,” she said. “But until people know who I am, they don’t assume that.”
Her call to the industry is one of equity: treat every person walking into a booth as if they could be building the next pizza empire. Because they might be.
Fork to the Future: Education Without Barriers
That philosophy fuels Founder Laura Meyer’s vision, Fork to Future, an education-focused non-profit designed to remove traditional barriers to industry access. Meyer is another extraordinary woman in her field, three-time World Pizza Champion, visionary and advocate for the industry.
Education is central. Attendees receive hands-on exposure to ingredients, techniques and business skills without aggressive selling or brand pressure. Flour samples sit alongside competing flour samples. Tomatoes alongside tomatoes. Equal access. Equal opportunity.
And yes! LloydPans played a role.
Participants received Detroit-Style Pans in their P.I.E conference event bags, giving many their first opportunity to experiment with the style without financial risk. The excitement was immediate.
“Small things are big things,” Swane said, especially for independent operators.
More importantly, the event fostered connection. Many attendees shared that for the first time, they didn’t feel alone in their business struggles. P&Ls were openly discussed. Mistakes were shared. Wins were celebrated. That spirit of transparency and support is what Swane hopes continues year-round.
Expanding the Definition of Inclusion
Swane also encourages the industry to think beyond gender. She highlighted Brewability in Englewood, Colorado, a brewery staffed by employees with developmental and physical disabilities, as an example of broader inclusion in hospitality.
From accessible menus to diverse hiring practices to culturally expansive toppings, pizza continues to evolve. Representation on the team often leads to representation on the plate.
Women’s Pizza Month and Women’s History Month are important. But Swane’s message is clear: recognition should be continuous. The pizza industry thrives when it credits its past, supports its present and educates its future.
March may be the spotlight, but equity is a 365-day topping on the crust.
