United Fresh Produce Association Announces 2021 Caplan Family Business Scholarship Winners; Jackie Caplan Wiggins Shares
WASHINGTON, DC - Frieda Rapoport Caplan is admired across the industry for her momentous contributions to fresh produce and the people who work to provide it. Further honoring this indelible leader, the United Fresh Produce Association has announced the recipients of the 2021 Frieda Rapoport Caplan Family Business Scholarships.
“We are thrilled to host this year’s scholarship recipients back in the nation’s capital for the industry’s most important event for the benefit and vitality of the produce industry,” said Jackie Caplan Wiggins, Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Frieda’s. “These passionate industry professionals will have a great opportunity to learn from Washington Conference veterans and other industry leaders on the most pressing public policy issues while contributing their own diverse perspectives and experiences.”
The four industry leaders selected to receive scholarships include:
- Joseph F. Basciani, Co-Owner and Chief Financial Officer, Basciani Foods
- Curtis Griffin, Assistant Grower, Griffin Ranches
- Lianna Tilton, Quality Assurance and Food Safety Supervisor, Braga Fresh Family Farms
- Leticia Velazquez, Midwest Operations Manager, The FruitGuys
Founded in 2001 by sisters Karen Caplan and Jackie Caplan Wiggins in honor of their mother Frieda Rapoport Caplan, the program gives representatives from family-owned, United Fresh member businesses the opportunity to attend the United Fresh Washington Conference on September 20-22 in Washington, DC. According to a press release, the four scholarship recipients receive complimentary airfare, hotel, and registration to participate in the conference and will be recognized at the Wednesday morning general session.
The United Fresh Washington Conference unites hundreds of leaders from all sectors of the industry for education on pertinent industry issues and meetings with members of Congress and top regulatory officials. Each year, a scholarship committee reviews applicants for the program using several criteria, including the candidates’ interest in advocacy work and their commitment to the produce industry.
The recipients of the scholarship will have the opportunity to network with industry leaders from across the nation, as well as develop an understanding of the political process and how to advocate for their priority issues and learn effective strategies for sharing the industry’s voice during the Produce Advocacy Bootcamp.
Congratulations to this year’s scholarship recipients!
