Building Brands, Building Women: A Conversation with WISE Jr. Board Member, Hannah Senerchia
When Hannah Senerchia learned she had been selected to join the WISE Junior Board of Directors, it marked a meaningful milestone in a career defined by curiosity, connection, and a growing passion for elevating women in the store brands industry. Though she had been a quiet participant for years by attending webinars, absorbing insights, and joining a mentor circle, Senerchia says the real value came from the relationships she developed.
“The lessons I learned and the connections I made were invaluable,” she shared. “When the opportunity to join the Junior BOD arose, I saw it as a great way to give back and continue contributing to this community.”
Today, Senerchia serves as Brand Manager of Licensing at Schreiber Foods, a role she didn’t even know existed before joining the company as an intern. Her career path, spanning from private brand manufacturing to branded-license partnerships, has given her a unique insider’s view of how store brands and national brands operate differently, yet increasingly collaboratively.
The Power of Partnerships in Today’s Store Brand Ecosystem
Working in the private brand dairy space while managing branded licensing has provided Senerchia with a rare advantage. She describes the experience as both eye-opening and energizing.
“Understanding the differences between national and store brands has deepened my appreciation for innovation and brand-building,” she explained. “There’s an incredible amount of collaboration required to bring ideas to life.”
That behind-the-scenes complexity is fueling new momentum across the licensing landscape, especially within food and beverage. She has watched the category evolve quickly, with more retailers embracing character licensing, celebrity tie-ins, and lifestyle partnerships to differentiate their private brands.
One trend that excites her most: the rise of co-branding between national and private labels.
“It brings together the affordability of private brands with the trust and excitement of established names,” she said. “It resonates with consumers, especially in a challenging economy.”
Expect more limited-time offers, influencer-driven launches, and cross-brand campaigns in the years ahead, she predicts, as store brands continue closing the gap with national-label innovation... and in many cases, leading it.
Leadership Lessons: Curiosity, Grit and Influence
Reflecting on her own professional growth, Senerchia emphasizes a blend of creativity, resilience, and a whole lot of grit.
“This industry is fast-paced and constantly evolving, so being able to pivot quickly while maintaining long-term focus has been key,” she said. Building strong cross-functional relationships has helped her fuel collaboration and drive results.
For emerging leaders, she highlights three essential skills:
- Curiosity: “It fuels continuous learning and helps you understand the bigger picture.”
- Resilience: “Change is truly the only constant. You have to be able to navigate it.”
- Influence: “It’s about inspiring and gaining buy-in during tough conversations.”
Empowering Women Through WISE
As she steps into her new role on the WISE Junior Board, Senerchia is energized by the opportunity to contribute in meaningful ways. With a background in brand strategy and partnership-building, she aims to help amplify WISE’s mission through creative engagement and community-building.
“I’d love to continue developing programs that empower women to build confidence and leadership skills,” she said. “Mentorship and knowledge-sharing are passions of mine.”
Her goal: to help more women access the tools, networks, and support systems that enable long-term success in the store brand industry.
Leading as a New Mom
One of the most defining chapters of Senerchia’s recent life has been motherhood - her daughter just turned one! The experience, she says, has reshaped her approach to leadership and work-life balance.
“Motherhood has been the most rewarding yet demanding role I’ve ever held,” she shared. “Schreiber has been incredibly supportive, from providing lactation spaces to offering flexibility for appointments.”
That support has helped her juggle competing priorities while maintaining her career momentum. Through it all, she has learned the importance of boundaries, empathy, and intentionality.
“Parenthood teaches you to prioritize what really matters,” she said. “Those lessons translate directly into leadership.”
Advice for the Next Generation of Store Brand Leaders
Looking ahead, Senerchia is most excited about the continued evolution of private brands, from value options to innovation powerhouses.
“Private brands are no longer just affordable alternatives,” she said. “They’re delivering quality, innovation, and experiences that often rival national brands.”
Her advice to young professionals considering a long-term career in the space is simple but powerful:
- Stay curious
- Stay adaptable
- Build strong relationships
- Understand the consumer above all else
“Everything we do starts and ends with meeting the consumer’s needs,” she emphasized.
With leaders like Hannah Senerchia helping shape the next era of private brands - and empowering women across the industry - the future of store brands looks bright, bold, and more connected than ever.