International Fresh Produce Association Announces Recipients of the Frieda Rapoport Caplan Family Business Scholarship; Karen Caplan and Angela Tiwari Comment
WASHINGTON, DC - We all have fond memories of industry great Dr. Frieda Rapoport Caplan. Through a program by the International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA), her legacy lives on. The organization recently announced the recipients of the Frieda Rapoport Caplan Family Business Scholarship, providing airfare, hotel, and registration for representatives from family-owned businesses to attend the IFPA Washington Conference for the first time.
“We’re proud to empower these incredible leaders to attend the Washington Conference in September,” said Karen Caplan, former Chief Executive Officer of Frieda’s. “This year is especially critical with so much relevant legislation on the docket for the fresh produce and floral supply chain. It is imperative that all industry members are able to come to Washington, hone their voice, and advocate for their business and the industry as a whole at the federal level.”
According to a press release, the program was launched in 2001 by Karen Caplan and Jackie Caplan Wiggins in honor of their mother, Dr. Frieda Rapoport Caplan.
This year’s winners are:
- Billy Itule, Senior Management, Willy Itule Produce
- Amanda Horney, Business Development, London Fruit
- Marco Ochoa, Chief Financial Officer, Legend Produce
- Camile Matrana, Sales Rep, Matrana's Produce
The Washington Conference will feature a number of ways for the scholarship recipients to learn from and engage with Congressional leaders, Administration officials, and industry colleagues. The conference brings together hundreds of produce leaders from all sectors of the industry to network, learn, and advocate for the produce and floral industry. The education sessions are designed to inform and onboard attendees as they learn more about how to navigate the political process and advocate for their priority issues.
“One of the most important roles these scholarship recipients will play is in sharing their business’ stories and concerns with members of Congress and officials,” said Angela Tiwari, Director of Grassroots and Political Affairs at IFPA. “These stories are often the most memorable input lawmakers have when considering their votes on issues that impact the industry. We need as many of our industry perspectives represented and are grateful for the Caplan family’s continued generosity in helping this important segment of our members participate.”
Congratulations to the scholarship recipients!
