CARLSBAD, CA - There is something magical about someone’s first Women’s Fresh Perspectives Conference. Mostly because all of their expectations end up completely blown out of the water—at least mine were. There are few spaces in the industry, let alone life, where you can be fully supported by your peers, competitors, customers, partners, and strangers alike. And support them in turn. It truly is a beautiful thing. In the run-up to the 2026 conference, I connected with Elizabeth Voth—Lizzie, to her friends and colleagues—Stemilt’s Communications Specialist, who will be crossing the WFPC threshold for her first time this April 6–8 in Carlsbad, California.
The first question I put to her: Why does this feel like the right moment in her career to attend Women’s Fresh Perspectives for the first time?
“I believe this is the right moment in my career to attend the Women’s Fresh Perspectives Conference because I’m actively practicing leadership within my role. Being surrounded by other women in produce who serve in similar or higher positions would give me valuable perspective, inspiration, and guidance as I continue developing my own leadership style,” she shares.
Evolving our leadership means each experience deepens our understanding of ourselves and our direction forward—something Lizzie knows well.
“Those experiences that have shaped me most in the produce industry are often the day‑to‑day moments,” Lizzie reflects. “I’ve learned a great deal from my team about staying curious, keeping an open mind, and getting outside of my comfort zone. I’ve also been influenced by watching successful women within my company. Observing how they grow, carry themselves, and navigate challenges has been inspiring to me.”
There is much to glean from each conversation, interaction, challenge, stumble, or success at the conference—if you frame it the right way.
“I hope to leave the conference with tools that help me strengthen my confidence and show up more fully in my role. Confidence, to me, goes beyond simply giving off the impression. It means genuinely believing in myself. Professionally, I hope to deepen the relationships within my current network and build new connections that support my growth,” Lizzie shares. “In my experience, being a woman in the fresh produce industry means being resilient, adaptable, and willing to rise to the occasion. It requires owning your expertise, speaking up on your own behalf, and navigating challenges with strength.”
When I ask Lizzie if she could leave this conference with one new connection, insight, or sense of clarity, what would it be, my own hopes are mirrored in her response.
“If I could leave this conference with one thing, it would be a new sense of clarity, along with a set of practical reminders or ‘take‑home tools’ that I can refer back to as I continue growing in my role,” Lizzie says.
If you have not met Lizzie, I can tell you that she is excited to meet you. It is evolving produce industry professionals like her, wielding curiosity, strength, and compassion, who will be walking the front lines of fresh produce today, tomorrow, and for what is to come.
Companies in this Story
Stemilt
As the founding family of Stemilt, we’ve been farming apples, pears, and cherries in eastern Washington since the early…
