Mar 13, 2023

Women’s Fresh Perspectives Conference empowers

The International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) is bringing top speakers and networking opportunities to The Women’s Fresh Perspectives Conference.

This highly popular event, April 16-18 in Orlando, Florida, cultivates women’s potential, develops their skills, and advances their careers. It is also one of the most visible IFPA commitments to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI).

“Empowered women empower others, and IFPA’s expert speakers will do just that for current and aspirational female leaders in our industry,” Brenda Necic of Pure Hothouse Foods Inc. and conference co-chair, said in a news release. “Women benefit from more effective leadership training that is informed by, shaped by, and focused on women’s perspectives — training developed through a ‘gender lens’ — and that’s at the heart of this event.”

At The Women’s Fresh Perspectives Conference, attendees will:

• Discover how Predictive Index results can increase efficiency and productivity and reduce stress;
• Learn to build and use their personal brand;
• Discuss taboo, uncomfortable, and often ignored (yet important) issues for women in fresh produce and floral;
• Negotiate from a position of power;
• Shed financial inhibitions to become savvy investors and achieve independence and security;
• Understand how advocacy makes an impact and ensures legislators understand industry’s needs as they pass laws and enact regulations; and
• Grasp the value of a multigenerational workplace.

“This conference equips women personally and professionally, with development opportunities for everyone — emerging, mid-level and executive female leaders,” Necic said in the release. “It is unique among other professional programs in our industry. We’re thrilled to welcome speakers that will challenge and inspire participants.”

Speakers include:

• Chemmy Alcott, British skier, four-time Winter Olympian, BBC “Ski Sunday” and Olympic presenter;
• Mimi Brown, leadership guru;
• Cathy Burns, IFPA CEO;
• Laura Himes, senior merchandising director at Walmart and IFPA chair;
• Beth Keeton, founder and CEO of Elephant House PR;
• Karen McCollough, expert on change, generational opportunities and workforce trends;
• Tamara Muruetagoiena, IFPA’s director of sustainability;
• Vicki Myoda, Predictive Index expert;
• Charlotte Stallings, author and former vice president of investment strategies and national for Ameriprise Financial;
• Lori Taylor of The Produce Moms;
• Mollie Van Lieu, IFPA’s vice president of nutrition and health; and
• Kate Wade, certified executive coach