Catherine Gipe-Stewart and Industry Leaders Drive Momentum for Women’s Fresh Perspectives Pacific Northwest Event in Yakima

YAKIMA, WA - One of the many gifts of my role is lifting up other women, their stories, and experiences, and bringing them to our readership. These are the kinds of gifts that keep on giving—maybe offering a moment, a word, a reflection for someone just starting in their journey, or finding their way along its path. It is moments like these that the Women’s Fresh Perspectives Conference (WFPC) and its Pacific Northwest Regional Event create and promote. Back by popular demand, the Pacific Northwest Regional event is gearing up for its May 21, 2026, kickoff in Yakima, Washington, and spaces are filling fast.

“Last year, the first WFPC Pacific Northwest regional event in Yakima completely blew us away. The energy, the turnout, the impact, it exceeded every expectation,” Catherine Gipe-Stewart, Director of Marketing, Superfresh Growers®, and Committee Member shares. “Women from all corners of the industry came together to lift each other up, mentor one another, and grow both personally and professionally. This year, we’re leaning into the leader within all of us. Through two speakers and two panels, we’re building programming designed to inspire, connect, and elevate every attendee.”

Spread the news! The regional committee sold out last year, and the event just keeps growing! So, grab your ticket now.

Focused on empowering women in the fresh produce industry, this conference blends inspirational storytelling, leadership development, and practical career guidance. The event emphasizes resilience, personal growth, and diverse leadership styles, while fostering connection through interactive discussions, networking, and shared experiences in a collaborative, supportive, and community-driven environment for all attendees.

This year’s committee includes: Carrie Mack, Senior Sourcing Manager, Apples and Pears; Veronica Rodarte, Director of Sales and Commodity Management Chili, Tropicals, and Herbs, Progressive Produce; Carmel Stout-Kornegay, Senior Sourcing Manager - Potatoes and Sweet Potatoes Walmart US; Miranda Eustis, Director of Sales and Sustainability Initatives, Bandall; Lina Maria Sanchez Zuluaga, Director of Export Sales at DuckwallFruit Company; and Kaitlin Bealer, Customer Experience Manager, Adventurer Manufacturing.

“In my more than 10 years in this industry, I’ve seen a significant increase in the number of women entering the space,” Cat continues. “That said, there’s still a gap when it comes to women in senior leadership roles. What’s incredibly exciting, however, is that we have an incredible pipeline of female talent ready to step into those positions. As we continue to bring more diversity into the hiring pool, we’ll naturally see that reflected at the executive level. This conference creates a unique space for women to gain the tools, confidence, and connections they need to keep rising.”

The May 21 event will be held at The Crown Ballroom with doors opening at 9:00 AM, and the event kicking off at 10:00 AM sharp, with a Happy Hour at 3:30.

In addition to a full day of networking, conversation, and insights, the guest keynote, Wendy McManus, will bring her amazing heart and mind to the stage with “Lead From the Inside Out. In this session, attendees will learn to cultivate the courage to step forward and the resilience to rise through challenges so they can lead with confidence, clarity, and impact from any role.

As Cat shares, this event brings together women from across agriculture and the fresh produce industry—from farming and production to operations, compliance, accounting, and supply chain partners—for real conversations, practical takeaways, and meaningful connections. No pressure. No stuffy conference vibes. No dress code stress. Just come as you are.