NEWARK, DE - Rallying strong female leadership in the produce industry is one of many ways that we can operate stronger together. This year’s Women’s Fresh Perspectives (WFP) Leadership Breakfast will ensure just that. Center for Growing Talent (CGT) announced that Jan DeLyser, Vice President of Marketing for the California Avocado Commission, will interview the Keynote Speaker, Queen Latifah, at the event as part of Fresh Summit’s programming. Queen Latifah is a well-known actress, musician, producer, entrepreneur, and author. DeLyser will moderate the discussion in order to provide insights that connect the star’s experiences to the industry.

“Having Queen Latifah serve as speaker at this year’s breakfast and being asked to moderate the discussion is such an honor,” says DeLyser. “Her talent, resilience, influence, and kindness are an inspiration. I look forward to introducing her to our industry and discussing her insights about making meaningful connections, learning from failure, and the importance of inclusion and empowerment in our daily living.”

In 2006, Queen Latifah became the first hip-hop artist to be awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. She is an Oscar and Emmy nominee, Grammy, Golden Globe, and SAG award winner, and is also known for her work off-camera. She is a Producer and Label President of her own production company, Flavor Unit Entertainment. Needless to say, she has more than earned her title as a trailblazer. In addition to her work in film and television, Latifah is an author. Her book Put on Your Crown: Life-Changing Moments on the Path to Queendom, was written to help young women build self-esteem through a series of personal stories and advice.

“The audience at the WFP Breakfast is unlike many events in our industry,” says CGT Vice President, Alicia Calhoun. “We are bringing together new professionals and the most seasoned leaders, both female and male, creating great opportunities for networking and discussion. With the longevity of her career and her ability to adapt and grow with our changing world, Queen Latifah will be a perfect speaker for our breakfast this year. I’m looking forward to Jan drawing connections to our industry and to the Women’s Fresh Perspectives portfolio as a whole.”

According to a press release, the WFP Leadership Breakfast happens each year at Fresh Summit and provides industry members with a networking opportunity while also gaining relevant career insights from big voices with stories that challenge, inspire, and motivate. WFP is designed exclusively by women for women in the industry. With a competency-based program developed from research conducted in the industry, the portfolio offers the first and most robust leadership development program for women that covers the entire supply chain along the entire career continuum.

“The Women’s Fresh Perspectives events by CGT have proved exceptionally valuable to our organization,” says Kurt Vetter, President of Wonderful Sales. “The benefits of the high-quality programming and networking has gone beyond the professional development of the women on our team who attended from Wonderful Sales. These women leaders have been able to share learnings and inspiration broadly with all our associates. The women on our team have grown as leaders within Wonderful Sales and have contributed mightily to our success.”

The Women’s Fresh Perspectives Breakfast will take place on Saturday, October 19 from 8-9:45 a.m. in Grand Ballrooms A-K at the Anaheim Marriott. The event is open to all, even those not registered for Fresh Summit, but seating is limited and going quickly. For more information or to register, go to the CGT website.

PMA