In the world of food safety, versatility isn’t optional; it’s essential. Today’s SQF Practitioners need to be analysts, trainers, communicators, leaders, and lifelong learners. Shawnil Guiles-Pelcastre fully embodies that multifaceted role.
She is based at The Cheesecake Factory Bakery, a SQF certified site, holding a certificate to Food Sector Category 13—Bakery and Snack Food Processing by EAGLE Food Registrations. Guiles-Pelcastre holds the title of Senior SQF Practitioner. She’s also a Certified SQF Auditor and one of the early adopters of the Certified SQF Practitioner credential—a combination that allows her to lead from both the inside and outside of the food safety audit process.
With a background that includes biology, wine production, packaging, sanitation, and an M.B.A., Guiles-Pelcastre represents the modern food safety professional: equal parts tactical, technical, and strategic.
From biology to bakery: a career fueled by curiosity
Guiles-Pelcastre didn’t set out to become a food safety leader, but curiosity and opportunity opened the door. After earning her bachelor’s degree in biology, she started her career in California’s wine industry, then shifted into food packaging and natural colorant processing.
“Like many people, I kind of fell into food safety,” she says. “When I started my career, I hadn’t even heard of SQFI or HACCP.”
That all changed as she found herself immersed in QA and sanitation roles that required her to learn quickly and adapt even faster. She gained exposure to auditing, food safety systems, and regulatory compliance. She also found a sense of purpose.
“It wasn’t just about following rules,” she explains. “It was about protecting the public and improving the way companies operate. That was compelling to me.
Strategic thinking meets on-the-ground execution
As her interest in food safety deepened, Guiles-Pelcastre pursued formal certification as an SQF Auditor. The training and mentorship she received helped shape her outlook.
“I learned a lot through the auditor preparation process,” she says. “It taught me the value of constructive feedback and the importance of having a real food safety culture—not just a program on paper.”
She also pursued an M.B.A., adding business strategy and leadership skills to her technical foundation. That balance of insight and execution proved valuable when she joined The Cheesecake Factory Bakery in 2023.
“They were looking for an SQF Practitioner,” she recalls, “but when they reviewed my background, they saw I brought more than just audit-readiness experience. They actually created the Senior SQF Practitioner position for me.”
In her current role, Guiles-Pelcastre leads internal audits, manages food safety documentation, supports frontline training, and contributes to long-term food safety strategy.
Adding the credential that adds confidence
While on maternity leave, Guiles-Pelcastre missed attending SQF Unites, but she didn’t miss the buzz about the Certified SQF Practitioner credential. As soon as she returned to work, she dove in.
“I had heard about it in a professional development update,” she says. “It sounded like a meaningful way to validate what I was already doing.”
For her, the certification wasn’t just a résumé builder, it was an investment in credibility. “This credential solidifies my own confidence, and it reassures my company that they made the right decision hiring me,” she says. “It’s helpful when you’re getting pulled into strategic conversations to have that added layer of validation.”
Seeing both sides of the audit
One of the most unique aspects of Guiles-Pelcastre’s story is that she continues to serve as an SQF Auditor while acting as the on-site SQF Practitioner. That dual perspective allows her to look at food safety programs with empathy, precision, and purpose.
“I keep up with my SQF Auditor certification, and when I do audits, I get a real sense of whether a practitioner is genuinely engaged or just checking boxes,” she says. “With my understanding of the practitioner role, I can evaluate what they’re doing and why.”
For her, food safety is never just a checklist. It’s a culture—and one that must be built from within. “Some sites see the audit as a finish line,” she explains. “But the most successful teams see it as a tool for ongoing improvement. That’s the kind of site I always want to help build.”
Building a stronger profession, one credential at a time
Shawnil Guiles-Pelcastre’s story reflects the direction of the profession, toward greater rigor, recognition, and opportunities for growth. What is her message to others in the industry?
“Don’t underestimate how far you can go. When I started, I had no idea what SQF was. But I stayed curious, took on different roles, and kept learning.”
She sees the Certified SQF Practitioner credential as a key part of that journey. “If you’re already doing the work, this credential helps you show it. And if you’re growing into the role, it gives you something to aim for.”
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Join the conversation
Want to explore whether this credential is right for you or your team? Join the conversation as four recent Certified SQF Practitioners share how they prepared for the test and the value they see in the credential in a free digital seminar on Wednesday, July 30 at 3 p.m. U.S. Eastern. Register online today to discover how you can earn the credential!