Sold-Out Women’s Fresh Perspectives Reception Steals the Show
PMA has done it again. Along with this year’s sold-out foodservice expo, the largest in conference history with 163 exhibitors, the PMA Foundation for Industry Talent also hosted a sold-out Women’s Fresh Perspectives Reception. This reception was the first women’s event since PMA's successful first Women’s Fresh Perspectives Conference in April.
The vision of the Women’s Fresh Perspectives series is to be the catalyst for a vibrant global produce industry through the leadership, development and participation of women and this reception did just that. The past event in Arizona brought industry leaders, mavens and up-and-comers together and offered a wonderful opportunity to mix and mingle with their peers. Saturday night brought many event attendees back together again, this time to enjoy a beautiful view of the Monterey Bay along with beverages and hors d’oeuvres at the Produce Alliance sponsored event.
Jill Overdorf, Vice Chairwoman of PMA’s Foodservice Planning Committee and Director of Business and Culinary Development for Coosemans L.A. Shipping Inc, kicked off the event with a warm welcome and reflection on the first annual Women's Fresh Perspectives Conference in partnership with Simmons College. The 178 attendees at the event in April helped to make the first-ever conference a great success, touching on topics that included building a powerful leadership brand to executive presence, business acumen as well as harnessing the power of belief, behavior and accountability. Approximately 148 handwritten responses provided acclaim for the standout event.
“The PMA Foundation's Women's Fresh Perspectives Reception was an outstanding, and sold out, event that allowed women and men in the fresh produce industry to network in a spectacular setting. The 130 plus attendees had the opportunity to build relationships with others representing the entire supply chain. Be sure to register early for the Women's Fresh Perspectives Leadership Breakfast at Fresh Summit as it promises to be a sell out!” said Margi Prueitt, Senior Vice President & Executive Director of PMA Foundation for Industry TalentJill welcomed Prueitt to the podium who introduced Melany S. Jolly, Executive Vice President. Produce Alliance. Melany shared a few words with us about her journey in the industry.
"We all put our pants on the same way," Melany, told us. Her mother had taught her this concept early on and it helped to shape the way Melany engaged the industry. "What I like about this idea is it cuts across all barriers, the barriers of creed, color, nationality, gender...Why this is important to me is that it gave me no fear." This idea has informed her 30 years in the produce industry allowing her the understanding to see no fear in 'no' or in being different or in being a woman. Melany's story and her inspiration, like many others' in the room, are what makes this industry an amazing place to live and work.
The April 2014 conference in Scottsdale, Arizona can't come fast enough!
