SALINAS, CA - Location can close doors to access, or it can open them. This is the impact of the new regional pop-up events from the Women’s Fresh Perspectives program.
On Friday, September 18th, the program brought women in the industry to Salinas, California, for a casual but high-impact event focused on leadership, professional development, and peer connection.
“One of the goals of Women’s Fresh Perspectives is creating opportunities for people to step away from their day-to-day responsibilities and invest in themselves, their careers, and their professional networks,” Nikki Wooten, Director of Education for the International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA), said. “Seeing more than 100 women come together in Salinas to learn from one another, share experiences, and build meaningful connections is exactly why these events matter. When we bring emerging professionals and experienced leaders into the same room, we create opportunities for mentorship, inspiration, and growth that can have a lasting impact on careers and on our industry.”
Attendees included women working across production, farming, operations, compliance, accounting, and other critical functions that keep produce businesses running every day, giving those who are often behind the curtain an opportunity to gather and connect.
With an emphasis on curiosity as a catalyst for growth, WFPC maintained its heavy emphasis on the importance of seeking out mentors, while the event also highlighted the power of vulnerability in leadership, overcoming imposter syndrome, and taking action.
“The Women’s Fresh Perspectives event in Salinas left a strong impression on me, especially the conversation around women’s leadership and collaboration across the industry. I was inspired by the focus on building connections across sectors and the impact women can have when they support and learn from one another. The event reminded me of the value of investing in professional growth and being part of a community that is committed to helping others succeed,” Ginna Wichmann, Food Safety Compliance Manager for Markon Cooperative, shared.
IFPA explained that the Women’s Fresh Perspectives portfolio was designed to make leadership development, networking, and career-building opportunities more accessible to women at every stage of their careers, including those who may not be able to attend larger national industry events. Hence, the regional event model brings meaningful programming directly to key produce-growing regions and communities, with the debut of the concept having taken place in Yakima, Washington, last year.
A hallmark of the day was dedicated Mentorship Circle Networking Sessions, carving out space for engaging directly with experienced industry leaders, discussing career challenges, and gaining real advice in a supportive environment. Having had the privilege to stand in a protected circle crafted and supported by WFPC in the past, I imagine many deep conversations were had, and several strangers became friends.
“What makes the Women’s Fresh Perspectives Regional Events so special is that they extend the reach of this community, giving women who may not always have the opportunity to attend our larger conference a chance to connect, learn, and grow together,” shared Beth Atkinson, President and Owner of Elephant House PR and Chair of Women's Fresh Perspectives Committee. “In Salinas, we were reminded that curiosity can open doors, mentorship often starts by simply asking, and vulnerability is a strength in leadership, which is exactly the kind of wisdom and connection we want more women across our industry to have access to.”
Speakers and subject matter experts encouraged attendees to invest in others as they advance in their careers, while attendees shared that the value of authentic conversations, shared experiences, and the opportunity to connect with others was a key highlight.
"IFPA's Women's Fresh Perspective luncheon in Salinas showed how much energy is created when people across fresh produce come together. The event was full of women eager to learn from one another, and the conversation kept coming back to two ideas: success means reaching back to help others rise, and curiosity is the best answer to self-doubt,” Nicole Minnich-Zapata, Sales, Marketing, and Business Development Director for Misionero, commented.
I’m thrilled to report that such an impactful event continues to expand its reach through regional programming and industry events, providing additional opportunities for networking, mentorship, and professional development throughout the year. I can’t wait to see which produce hub gets to host next!
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International Fresh Produce Association
The International Fresh Produce Association is the largest and most diverse international association serving the entire…
