ANAHEIM, CA - We are still looking back on the events of last week following an exciting trip to Anaheim! As the highly anticipated Women’s Fresh Perspectives Breakfast kicked off on Saturday, the International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) announced that the 2023 winner of the Frieda Rapoport Caplan Women’s Catalyst Award is Raina Nelson, President of Westfalia Fruit.
“It is an incredible honor to be recognized as the 2023 recipient for the Frieda Rapoport Caplan Women's Catalyst Award,” said Nelson. “Frieda’s legacy is a vibrant light that still radiates throughout this industry and beyond. She was a pioneer that created significant change through purpose-driven action. I am truly humbled to be considered someone that carries her light forward.”
The annual award, which was named after the industry legend in 2020, is given to someone in the industry who serves as a catalyst for women’s success and is announced by the previous year’s winner, a press release explained.
During the Women’s Fresh Perspectives Breakfast held on Saturday, October 21, the award’s 2022 winner Carrie Mack of Walmart welcomed Nelson into the cohort of Catalyst honorees. Nelson was recognized on stage with a standing ovation right before the Breakfast speaker’s address.
“In her approach to mentoring and leadership,” said Mack, “a nominator said that she ‘has enriched the lives of countless women in the produce industry through providing guidance for women trying to navigate a male-dominated industry; engaging speakers and thought leaders who inspire and empower women to think outside the box on their own path to leadership; and shared her own insecurities and vulnerabilities, and how she overcame them, to help women in the industry realize their leadership dreams.’”
Congratulations to this powerful fresh produce leader for upholding such a cherished legacy!
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