PRODUCE INDUSTRY - One of the first chances I had to glean a little nugget of knowledge from Carrie Mack, she gave me a goldmine.

“When you earn a seat at the table, make room for others,” Carrie, Walmart's Senior Sourcing Manager, told me in 2024 for a Snack article.

Carrie’s passion for uplifting others is a commitment that stretches far and wide, reaching to great lengths within her own organization as well as to other retailers and to vendors across the fresh produce industry. As we approach the Women’s Fresh Perspectives Conference April 13–15 in Carlsbad, California, the new Co-Chair shared her thoughts going into the event and the depth of her dedication to the cause.

“From the moment I attended my first Women’s Fresh Perspectives event, I knew I had found my people. There’s something electric about being in a room full of strong, smart, driven women who are all here to lift each other up,” Carrie shared. “This program isn’t just about networking or leadership lessons—it’s about real connections, real growth, and real change. Every year, I walk away with fresh insights, new friendships, and a renewed fire to push myself and others forward. That’s why I keep coming back and why I wanted to get more involved.”

Carrie expanded on the impact it can have and its ripple effect on the community.

“I want other women to experience that same ‘aha’ moment where they realize, ‘Wow, I’m not alone in this.’ That’s powerful, and it’s what keeps me showing up year after year,” she expressed.

When I asked Carrie why it is so important for the women of this industry to attend, she articulated that this industry needs more spaces like this.

“We need spaces where women can show up exactly as they are, be heard, and be supported. We spend so much time putting everyone else first—our teams, our families, our businesses—that it’s easy to forget to invest in ourselves,” Carrie said. “This conference gives you permission to do just that. It’s a chance to step back, refocus, and remind yourself that you are just as deserving of growth and opportunity as anyone else. And let’s be honest, sometimes, you don’t even realize how much you need this space until you’re in it.”

The conference also provides a level playing field and an outlet for women to come together across categories and business sectors—ones you may not usually find building camaraderie in the same room.

“It’s rare to find a space where competition takes a backseat to connection, but that’s exactly what this conference is. It’s not about who has the most impressive title or the biggest deal on the table—it’s about you, your journey, and how we can all help each other move forward,” Carrie stated. “It’s a space where you can be vulnerable without fear, where you can talk about the real struggles of leadership, career pivots, and imposter syndrome—and instead of judgment, you get understanding. And let’s not forget the magic of walking into a room and instantly feeling like you belong. That’s what makes this experience unlike anything else in the industry.”

From the outside looking in, it is very easy to build misconceptions about the program—some of which Carrie is very quick to correct.

“Some people think this is just a ‘rah-rah’ women’s empowerment event where you get a few pep talks and leave feeling inspired but without anything practical to take home,” Carrie enlightened me. “Wrong. Yes, you’ll leave inspired, but you’ll also leave with real tools, strategies, and connections that can change the way you lead and grow in this industry. The sessions are meaningful, the conversations are eye-opening, and the women you meet here will become some of your biggest champions. This isn’t just about feeling good for a few days—it’s about leveling up in ways that last long after the conference ends.”

The energy, the conversations, the moments when someone shares something so real that you get chills because you need to hear it—these are the moments that Carrie is truly looking forward to this year.

“I’m excited to meet first-time attendees and watch them have that lightbulb moment where they realize just how powerful this space is. I can’t wait for those deep, late-night chats where ideas start flowing and dreams get bigger. And, let’s be real, I’m also looking forward to the spontaneous laughter, the unexpected friendships, and that indescribable feeling of leaving with more confidence, clarity, and connection than I came with. This is the event that fills my cup, and I know it’ll do the same for so many others,” she concludes.

While this story ends at the bottom of this page, it continues in the hearts and minds of the Women’s Fresh Perspectives team, its generous committee members, and the brave women seeking to attend a life-changing event.

See you all there!