Renee Davis-Roberts; Foodservice Manager; Marietta City Schools; Marietta, Georgia
Just outside of Atlanta, there's a remarkable figure who has been making a difference in the lives of students for over twenty years. Renee Davis-Roberts has focused her career on leading and fostering a caring community spirit that always puts students first.
Her days begin at six in the morning as she opens the kitchen to prepare around 400 nutritious grab-and-go breakfasts. Renee and her team of two cashiers work the serving lines to ensure a smooth start to the day. Speaking about the importance of breakfast, Renee brings up an insightful point, “You never know what goes on in a student’s life before they come to school. We’re the first people they see, so we greet them, give out hugs, and have little conversations, all while getting them settled and ready for the day.” From there, the cafeteria comes alive during lunch, serving meals to around 600 students, all made with love and care.
Beyond simply providing nourishment, Renee and her staff go to tremendous lengths to greet students personally, creating a welcoming atmosphere that sets a positive tone. Every day brings new challenges, but Renee thrives in the unpredictable nature of her role, filling in wherever is needed and embracing various responsibilities with a smile. She says, “My reason for coming to work every day is to see the kids. They look forward to seeing me and knowing they have a smile waiting for them. I get plenty of hugs — endless hugs — and I love it.”
While the menus at Renee’s school feature many classics like nachos, pizza, grilled cheese, and chili, she also receives support from General Mills Foodservice products, especially breakfast items such as Golden Grahams™, Apple Cinnamon Cheerios™, Cinnamon Toast Crunch™ and others.
Described as laid back, Renee fosters a fun and welcoming environment in her cafeterias. She trusts her employees to excel in their roles, emphasizing a mutual respect that has resulted in a dedicated and loyal team. Renee's open-door policy and genuine appreciation for her staff contribute to a family-oriented atmosphere where everyone feels valued.
Renee's proudest moments include holiday promotions where she and her team transformed the cafeteria into a festive wonderland, complete with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Events like a disco party and upcoming Mardi Gras celebration showcase her commitment to creating memorable experiences for students and parents alike. Renee’s Trayblazer nomination came through social media with the message, “She makes a typical pizza Friday into a Pizza Party Friday! It's the simple things she does to celebrate her students while serving them with with so much love!”
Her advice for anyone entering the foodservice industry is to keep an open mind, learn to love what you do, and take things day by day. Her journey exemplifies the impact that passion, dedication, and a caring spirit can have on building not just meals but communities.