PMA names womens’ leadership events theme: I WILL

The Produce Marketing Association’s Center for Growing Talent is launching a new year of leadership development for women, with the theme “I WILL” for Women’s Fresh Perspective events.

Each year, the center’s charitable contributions from industry members and organizations ensures the ability to provide talent development programs and solutions for the produce and floral industry, according to a news release. The Industry Talent Fund supports programs for individuals at all levels of their career.

“Our mission is to help businesses in our industry thrive by building up their greatest asset, its people,” Alicia Calhoun, Center for Growing Talent vice president, said in the release. “Research shows that more women in leadership helps fuel a company’s success and this is just one reason why we are committed to providing personal and professional growth opportunities for women all year.”

Beyond the conference, the center regularly brings industry members together to advance and celebrate womens’ contributions to the industry. There is a networking reception at PMA’s foodservice show in July, the Women’s Catalyst Award and the Women’s Fresh Perspectives Leadership Breakfast at PMA Fresh Summit in October. The I WILL theme extends throughout all programming this year, according to the release.

“It is an active promise full of change and possibility,” Leslie Simmons, vice president at Dave’s Specialty Imports and co-chairwoman of the Women’s Fresh Perspectives Advisory Committee. “We’ve been challenging ourselves for the last two years to “Own It!” and this new theme is a bold step forward toward all that we can achieve.”

Rachel Hollis will usher in the new theme as keynote speaker at the Women’s Fresh Prospectives Conference, April 14-16 in San Antonio. She is chief communication officer at the Hollis Co., and author of “Girl, Wash Your Face,” and “Girl, Stop Apologizing.” She will speak and identifying, developing and applying skills to stand out.

Registration for the conference is open.

“The entire conference experience, including the sessions and speakers, is designed with the fresh produce and floral industry in mind,” Julie Lucido, CEO of Marketing Plus and co-chairwoman of the conference advisory committee, said in the release. “It means attendees will come back to their organizations ready to make an immediate, lasting impact.”