They’re the ones that make us feel like family while at school. Familiar faces Sherry Cantatore, Kari Ledford and Madison Ledford work for Sodexo at Ouachita. Sherry is the smiling face standing behind the Simple Servings line, Kari diligently plans campus’ favorite events and Madison greets students as they pay for their Friday Chick-fil-A meal. Serving Ouachita is a family business for the three.
The mother, daughter and granddaughter trio started their journey at Ouachita in 2016 when Kari became the marketing specialists for Sodexo. The next year, Sherry and Madison joined the team. Before the three were at Ouachita though, there was another legendary family member, Dan.
“My brother worked here for Sodexo in 2014 at Chick-fil-A as a supervisor. In 2015, he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and passed away six weeks later. He was well loved by all the students here,” Kari said.
Shortly after Dan passed away, family friend and general manager of Sodexo, Jon Fitzgerald, came into the family’s owned store, Sears Hometown. Kari knew Jon was hiring for a marketing position and the rest was history.
The family carries their close-knit relationships not only at home, but also at work. In a fast-paced department, support is crucial in each of their positions.
“We all know what’s happening across campus between retail and the cafeteria. We all support each other. It’s more than just the day-to-day work. We’re here to support each other emotionally, physically and spiritually every day,” Kari said.
“If we don’t know what’s going on we’ll ask. We are a family at work,” Sherry added.
Dining services is one of the pinnacles of student life on campus. The opportunity to interact and serve students happens three times a day. The trio sees this opportunity and the impact it has on them. They know the simplicity of caring can change the trajectory of a student’s day.
“I love to make students feel important. When a student comes through the line and I can tell them their order, they are always shocked that I can remember,” Madison said. “I don’t want anyone to ever come up to Chick-fil-A and feel like they can’t talk to me or yell at me across the way. I just want to make it fun.”
“I want the students to feel like they can open up. I want to share my faith and tell them that Jesus loves them,” Sherry said.
Ouachita will not only remember the trio for their kindness and service, but more importantly they will remember that they felt at home while at school.
“The highlight for me is the impact that we have on students. It’s the little things that make a difference from the day to day,” Kari said. “Students can walk in here with no smile on their face and then they realize it’s National Strawberry Day and their whole mood changes. It can be something that small that makes a huge difference.”
“I want to be remembered as someone who is loving, caring and willing to listen,” Sherry said. “I am there for students for whatever they may need- love, spiritual guidance. I want to change hearts.”
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