MISSION, TX - These days, it’s not hard to see that technology, rather than diamonds, is a girl’s best friend. Because technology is truly one of the most innovative solutions to today’s specific challenges, it’s no surprise that the Texas International Produce Association’s In Bloom Women’s Committee is digitalizing its next industry event.
“The weight of the last month has felt overwhelming at times as I’ve juggled all the tasks associated with this new normal, I suspected others felt the same,” said April Flowers, In Bloom Committee Chairperson and Marketing Director at Lone Star Citrus. “As our committee got together and shared our concerns and personal stories, it was clear we were not alone, and it made us realize this is exactly what In Bloom was meant to do…offer a place where women can lift one another up and provide support when they need it most.”
On May 6, 2020 at 4 p.m. CST, In Bloom will be hosting a virtual experience, titled “Bloom Where You Are Planted,” to help our industry support each other during this uncertain time. The event will feature short and topical personal testimonies from the following industry leaders on resilience, endurance, boundaries, intentional living, and multi-tasking:
- Tonya Hill, TM Hill Produce – Resilience after starting a business days before the coronavirus lockdown
- Cindy Swanberg Schwing, London Fruit – Endurance and the grit to navigate the unknown, perspective is key
- Eleisha Ensign, Texas Citrus Mutual – Boundaries when it gets to be too much
- Michelle Cortez, Empacadora GAB – Multitasking & Making it Work when there are no other alternatives
- April Flowers, Lone Star Citrus – Intentionality and the power of managing your thoughts and hopes in the midst of reality
All five women will share unique and relatable stories to highlight that we are all #inthistogether while also allowing produce professionals to join together for some real talk and an opportunity to fill their mental tanks, according to a press release.
Schwing added, “There’s real hope and real triumph here. It’s our chance to see obstacles as creative opportunities with the possibility for new positive outcomes.”
In Bloom was first conceived one year ago at the 2019 Viva Fresh Expo as a way to empower and advance women in the fresh produce industry through shared opportunities, networking, mentorship, advocacy, and professional development. Today, In Bloom has helped to build a supportive environment of women committed to helping each other—a supportive environment that is essential now more than ever as we all work to navigate these uncertain times.
Thus, In Bloom is once again serving as a solution to today’s unique challenges by hosting this virtual event, during which the committee hopes to offer real value to the industry while answering the question: How do we stay positive and move forward in a changing marketplace while still focusing on the big picture that is being defined by a historical moment that will affect us forever in ways that are yet unknown?
The event is free and open to all industry members, both men and women. Participants can tune in live on the Texas International Produce Association Facebook page or register and participate via Zoom.
AndNowUKnow will continue to follow in the footsteps of industry leader’s like In Bloom as we keep community and connection alive during this challenging time.
