National Diversity Council Awards the 2015 Most Powerful and Influential Woman of California

Local resident, Ashley Ceraolo, California Pizza Kitchen’s (CPK) Vice President of Marketing and Beverage Strategy, will be honored with the 2015 Most Powerful and Influential Woman of California. The award will be presented on Thursday, June 4, 2015 at the 6th Annual California Diversity and Leadership Conference in Garden Grove.

Ceraolo was recognized for her leadership by the National Diversity Council, an organization which fosters an understanding of diversity and inclusion as a strategy for business success and community well-being through various initiatives.

“To exercise our diversity, we need to give each other the space to grow and be ourselves,” said Ceraolo, a working mom and one of CPK’s most senior executives. “This open mindset is an enabler. It creates an environment where we can both give and receive ideas with dignity and in the spirit of inclusion. Creating a diverse team brings different talents and perspectives to our work. For example, diversity is manifested in CPK’s menu where we offer dishes with a wide range of flavors and dietary options. We have something for all different tastes and preferences.”

At California Pizza Kitchen, Ashley leads the development of the national marketing strategy which includes menu and creative development for the brand, beverage innovation, national promotions, loyalty programs, digital marketing, and philanthropic initiatives.

She has been instrumental in rolling out CPK’s Next Chapter initiative, a brand transformation underway in CPK’s 190+ restaurants nationwide. “I am also proud to be a part of a CPK programs like the Eighth Move, an initiative designed to mentor women leaders in the workplace.”

Ceraolo is a strategic marketing professional who has worked with multiple national and international restaurant brands to develop and execute marketing campaigns, optimize brand loyalty and drive sales growth. A resident of Huntington Beach, and mother of two, Ashley is a graduate of California State University, Fullerton where she received her Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing and is also a level one Sommelier.

Ceraolo has been interviewed by Restaurant Magazine, R News, National Restaurant News, as well as Hospitality Technology for her innovative approach to marketing in the Food & Beverage industry.