MILLEN, GA - Women play an undeniable and integral role in shaping our industry, and the Southeast Produce Council (SEPC) is dedicated to generating dynamic, female-forward initiatives through its Southern Roots platform. As it seeks to bring fresh perspectives to the table and cultivate formidable relationships between women in produce, the Council has welcomed new members to its Southern Roots Committee.

“Southern Roots is a magnificent community of women that offers a strong circle of support, fresh educational offerings, and impactful value no matter the season of one’s career. The ladies of the Southern Roots Committee work very hard to provide unique tools to enhance leadership skills and magnify the collective influence of women in the produce industry,” commented Raina Nelson, SEPC Chairman of the Board and President and Chief Executive Officer of Westfalia Fruit Marketing USA. “I welcome the new committee members and look forward to our exciting Southern Innovations event in September that will feature Megan Zweig and Dan’l Mackey Almy of DMA Solutions and the Self Smarter Podcast.”

The new members of the committee include:

• Melissa Pine of Bolthouse Farms
• Kim St George of Renaissance Food Group
• Desiree Forsythe of National Produce FB

These women, who each play a role in active corporate membership companies, have shown commitment and dedication and will continue to drive value and growth for the Southern Roots platform.

As explained in a press release, Southern Roots is designed to make meaningful connections among women working in the produce industry through events, education, and mentoring. Participants are given the opportunity to improve their leadership skills by sharing values, contributions, and experiences, positively affecting organizational effectiveness.

Members that serve on the Southern Roots Committee include:

• Co-Chairman Sabrina Pokomandy of Highline Mushrooms
• Co-Chairman Kim Andreason of Jason’s Deli
• Mary-Scott DeMarchis of Fresh2O Growers
• Nicole Hulstein of Food Lion
• Teri Miller of The Fresh Market
• Erin Waters of Shuman Farms
• Stephanie Williams of Scott Farms

Southern Roots is held at both SEPC’s Southern Exposure and Southern Innovations, and women in the industry are encouraged to add the Southern Roots Reception to their sessions when registering to attend this year’s Southern Innovations in Nashville, Tennessee.

Congratulations to all of these powerful women for joining this dynamic force to uplift the fresh produce industry!

Southeast Produce Council