CARLSBAD, CA - Together we can grow. In a world that has taught many women there are limited seats at the table, this year’s Women’s Fresh Perspectives, hosted by the International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA), gathered the women of the fresh produce industry to push them to draw up as many chairs as needed and to support each other in doing so.

“I think the word is out that Women’s Fresh Perspectives is the can’t-miss event,” Megan Nash stated as she welcomed everyone on Sunday, April 13. It was her reflection upon sharing that, at a 250-cap with a lengthy waiting list, 137 of the women in attendance were there for the first time—a key goal in spreading its impact.

Co-Chairs Carrie Mack, Senior Sourcing Manager for Walmart, and Angie Rowland, Chief Commercial Officer for Offshoot Brands, guided us all through a dynamic schedule of workshops, inspiring speakers, and opportunities to meet each other while challenging us to break out of our shells.

“It’s time to trust those out-of-office notifications, put down your phones, and show up. Be here,” Carrie advised, with some powerful advice from her own experiences. “The next person you meet could change your life.”

It was advice I would hear echoed in a panel made up of changemakers such as Kim Chakal of Equifruit, Beth Keeton of Elephant House PR, and Diana McClean of Mission Produce.

In reflecting on having started her career outside of fresh produce, Diana emphasized that anyone who was new or incoming were right where they needed to be.

“This is where I made most of my connections, I was at the very first Women’s Fresh Perspectives,” Diana said in an impactful statement to the room.

It was one of many nuggets for those in attendance, who were challenged to meet and make new connections, to talk taboo topics, and to explore any avenue of inspiration.

Consistently, in between borrowed expertise and wisdom from incredible speakers like Melissa J. Nixon, Founder & CEO, The Courage Company, Erika Ayers Badan, Penny Zenker, Britt Frank, and Giselle Ugarte, we were told by Carrie, by Angie, and by Cathy Burns, Chief Executive Officer of IFPA, that the women present could affect true change.

"You are going to show up differently than when you arrived," was Cathy's advice, promise, and prophecy for those in attendance. 

With that in mind, "networking" was the true key term of the dynamic WFPC schedule, utilizing the tools and support of every workshop, session, and even an unplanned break when a 5.2 magnitude earthquake hit Southern California and shook the light fixtures of the Park Hyatt Aviara Resort. Talk about something to talk about! 

Whether it was the always highly anticipated and candid Women in Leadership: Unplugged, this year featuring Cathy with Stefanie Katzman, Chief Executive Officer, Katzman, Sonya Constable, Vice President Produce for Sprouts Farmers Market, Brianna Shales, Marketing Director for Stemilt, the Girls Night In gathering, or the home-based dinner hosted by Good Farms, there were countless opportunities for women to not just meet, but connect. 

With so much to digest, I would not be surprised if there will be weeks of processing, followed by action galvanized by this event. So produce businesses, get ready! I cannot wait to see where we are by WFPC 2026, back in Carlsbad, California.