The California Avocado Commission recently had the opportunity to network with other industry leaders and retailers from across the globe while showcasing the women of the state’s avocado industry at the International Fresh Produce Association 2023 Women’s Fresh Perspectives Conference.
The conference, held April 16-18 in Orlando, Fla., was a sold-out event that brought in 216 women from throughout the produce and floral industry, according to a news release. This year’s conference was centered around mentoring — specifically, why to be a mentor or mentee, how to source a mentor and the benefits for both parties, such as retention, job satisfaction, productivity and fostering diversity.
Attendees had the chance to sign up for this new mentorship program that now has 82 pairs and counting. Of the women participating, 39 chose to be both a mentor and a mentee, recognizing the knowledge they can share with younger leaders while also wanting to continue learning from more senior leaders, the release said.
Offering guidance to women leaders in fresh produce
CAC Director of Trade and Legal Affairs Angela Fraser participated in a discussion at the “Empowered Women Empower” panel during the general session, dubbed “Women in Leadership: Unplugged.” Fraser was joined on the panel by IFPA CEO Cathy Burns, Walmart’s Laura Himes, and Lori Taylor from The Produce Moms. Fraser also led post-panel breakout sessions with small groups of attendees.
Related news: IFPA launches mentor program at Women’s Fresh Perspectives Conference
“Mentorship was a theme that echoed across all of our sessions,” IFPA Director of Education and Talent Megan Nash said in the release. “Mentoring is such an important part of personal and professional development.”
The event provided important exposure for the CAC with trade media coverage of the event including photos and mentions of Fraser and her role at the commission and on behalf of California avocado growers, according to the release.
