CASTROVILLE, CA - Deepening connection is a desire we all share. Whether it is on a show floor or a phone call, in an email, or over a meal, most of us gravitate to experiences that pull back the curtain on the world and help us to feel like we belong. With the upcoming Women’s Fresh Perspectives Conference April 13–15 in Carlsbad, California, investing in connection will be top of mind for a committed and passionate group of people. Lori Bigras, Communications Manager, Ocean Mist® Farms, joins me to share what she is most looking forward to and how a conference like this can be valuable to us all.

“What I am truly looking forward to is seeing fellow female friends and colleagues, many of whom I have had the pleasure of working with, for, or alongside in this industry for many years. Each ‘reconnection’ is an opportunity to share stories and successes, lessons, and journeys, and to continue to learn from each other,” Lori shares with me. “Every interaction is a little piece of empowerment that, collectively, creates a strong, supportive environment. And I know I will leave with new insights gleaned and a renewed sense of inspiration.”

With her passion for the cause beautifully laid out, Lori continues by describing why events like this are so important—no matter your tenure in fresh produce.

“Events like this serve as a powerful reminder of our strength in numbers. They provide ideas and solutions tailored specifically to women, for women, and by women, helping us to navigate—among other things—the sometimes convoluted paths in our careers. Opportunities like this demonstrate how lifting each other up makes all of us stronger and adds greater value in our respective roles at work,” Lori tells me. “I also recognize that I sit on the shoulders of many intelligent, collaborative, empathetic, and strong female leaders who have paved the way for me over the years. I strive to weave the qualities I value most from their examples into my daily efforts to lead by example; especially for the young women starting off their careers in the produce world.”

Lori expands on the profound impact women have had on the fresh produce industry. Especially in their abilities to approach and solve challenges in uniquely different ways.

“Women add value and diversity to conversations and solutions that were traditionally male-dominated. We are also the primary shoppers, food preparers, label-readers, nutrition researchers, perfect-produce-seekers, family feeders, and recipe users,” Lori expresses. “We have a deeper understanding of–and relationship with–food. And we bring these insights and experiences to the fresh produce industry. I believe these insights have played a significant role in the introduction and evolution of the value-added and meal-solution categories.”

Lori leaves me with some wonderful words of advice and one of her favorite sentiments from the late Madeline Albright.

“One of my all-time favorite sentiments is from the trailblazing dynamo who was our first female Secretary of State,” Lori says. “She often referenced her ‘special place for women who don’t help other women’ quote, reminding us that we–as women–are so much stronger when we stand together and lift each other up.”

These spaces created by women are special and unique, and they are not just on the horizon—they are here.