MIAMI, FL - In tagging along with the final leg of the Southeast Produce Council's (SEPC) Southern Training Education Program for Upcoming Produce Professionals (STEP-UPP) 2026 Retail Class’ in-person meetups, I expected to be a quiet observer. Thankfully, the first thing I did within minutes of joining the troop was sit next to Autumn Marrale.
"I love that STEP-UPP isn't just about produce—it's about people," Autumn shared with me when we connected after that memorable trip. "It brings together individuals from different companies, backgrounds, and experiences, yet by the end, we're cheering each other on like we've known each other for years."
As a Produce Buyer at Ingles, Autumn said her boss was the one who first saw something further ahead for her in the program. Because of the warmth and confidence with which Autumn greeted and welcomed me into the group, I was surprised to learn that, at the start, she was nervous.
“I didn't know many people, and speaking up wasn't easy. But little by little, that changed. The program gave me the confidence to ask questions, share ideas, and learn from people with years of experience across our industry,” Autumn shared. And the wisdom shared both within the group and through the program has created a shift she described as career-long. “STEP-UPP reminded me that there's always more to learn. No matter how long you've been in the produce industry, there are always opportunities to grow, improve, and become a better leader.”
Offering an education that spans USDA inspection standards, grading, commodity knowledge, all while seeing the industry from different perspectives are moments Autumn told me helped her become a stronger produce buyer.
“Every class, assignment, and discussion has given me something I can take back to work,” she pointed out.
The education and insights of the suppliers hosting everyone weave in with the shared and differing perspectives of fellow classmates, and the result is not just a better understanding of the supply chain, but an appreciation and deeper attachment to those who make it possible.
“The thing I love most about the STEP-UPP program is that it pushes you outside of your comfort zone in the best possible way, and one of my favorite parts has been the friendships. Meeting my classmates in person, working together on presentations, walking the trade show, laughing, and supporting one another has been something I'll never forget,” Autumn reflected.
Witnessing firsthand the camaraderie, the inside jokes, the ease with which the group leaned on one another felt like family who had known each other for years, not classmates on only their third meetup. Autumn met me with that same warmth, driving home the solidity of our industry’s strength when connected.
“I'm grateful my boss encouraged me to apply. Saying ‘yes’ to STEP-UPP has been one of the best professional decisions I've made, and I'm proud to be part of the 2026 class,” Autumn concluded. “It has challenged me, inspired me, and given me friendships and memories that will last well beyond graduation.”
As the 2026 STEP-UPP Retail Class heads toward graduation at SEPC's Southern Innovations in Nashville, TN, this September, I can’t wait to cheer on another group further forged by this foundational program.
