Center for Growing Talent continues its three-part Virtual Wellness Series 5 p.m. Eastern March 30, with a live chef demonstration, all to support the Career Pathways program. The session, titled “Healthy, Delicious Eating” is the second in the series and will welcome Chef Vincent “Vinny” Cani who will offer a look inside the artistic mind of a chef, creating an experience – not just a dish. During the demonstration, nutrition expert, world renown scientist, researcher and best-selling author, Dr. William Li will explain the health impacts of different ingredients, focusing on not cutting back when it comes to produce.
PMA’s George Szczepanski, a Career Pathways alumnus, will moderate the discussion and will ensure a fast-paced and interactive conversation that will leave all attendees with a new recipe, a new outlook on the health benefits of produce, and the added benefit of having contributed to the Career Pathways program.
“Center for Growing Talent is dedicated to providing talent solutions for the entire industry,” said CGT’s Kelsey Palandrani, who is organizing the series. “We are also a charitable foundation and depend on the generous giving of our contributing industry members and companies. This series is not only a great way to learn about the power of produce, but also directly benefits attracting talent to our industry.”
The Career Pathways program introduces university students to the produce industry and welcomes some of these students to events like Fresh Summit and Foodservice Conference each year. CGT had just instituted a new plan to extend the program to more students when the pandemic began, and the team quickly pivoted to virtual engagements with students. Despite the disruptions of 2020, the CGT reached 6 times the number of students of previous years and welcomed a cohort of students at this past year’s virtual Fresh Summit.
The goal of the program is not only to bring the industry to the students through on-campus or virtual presentations, but they also bring the students to the industry, pairing them with industry volunteers who serve as Career Ambassadors. These Career Ambassadors serve as mentors, offering insight about the industry and introductions to other professionals across the supply chain. The upcoming sessions in the Virtual Wellness Series including “Healthy, Delicious Eating” will feature cameo appearances by past Career Pathways graduates who received offers to work in the industry.
“The Career Pathways program is an essential keystone of the talent attraction strategy,” said executive director of CGT, Doug Bohr. “The support from our industry contributors and volunteers has allowed us to expand the program, reach more students and both broaden and diversify the talent streams into the industry. Our industry directly contributes to the health and wellness of our world, it’s an industry people want to be a part of, but they have to know about us first.”
The third session in the series will take place 5 p.m. Eastern on April 27, and will focus on everyday mindfulness. The proceeds will directly support the Career Pathways program. Anyone interested in registering for the session or learning more can do so here.
