YAKIMA, WA - Inspired women inspire. The truth of this phrase crystallized for me during my first experiences at the International Fresh Produce Association’s Women’s Fresh Perspectives Conference. Whether you're at the beginning of your journey or emerging and growing into a leadership position, the Women’s Fresh Perspectives experience is pivotal to personal development and career evolution. When I heard that the group was going regional to Yakima, Washington on May 6, I couldn't find a ticket fast enough.

“For me, this cause is personal. I started in this industry with a temporary job and worked my way up from the bottom. I know what it feels like to be on the outside looking in, wanting to learn and connect, but not always having the means or the invitation,” Carrie Mack, Senior Sourcing Manager, Walmart; Co-Chair of the conference, and one of the women spearheading this regional event, shares with me. “That’s why this matters. We’re not just hosting a conference—we’re creating a space for women in every corner of ag to step into their potential, no matter their title, background, or personal position.”

If you ever have the opportunity to be around Carrie, you will immediately notice the way that she pulls people to her. Her warmth and strength create an ecosystem of joy and growth. It is palpable, and it is a huge part of why her message moves people.

“One of the issues I’m most passionate about is representation, especially in decision-making spaces. It’s not just about supporting more women in the ag industry; it’s about making sure they’re heard, seen, and valued once they’re there,” Carrie tells me. “Too often, women are doing the work but not sitting at the tables where direction and strategy are set. That needs to change.”

Deeply focused on mentorship and accessibility, Carrie is holding up a light to guide the way for those who are emerging in their roles now or just getting started.

“Early in my career, I didn’t have a roadmap or a mentor. I had to learn by doing—and many times, by failing. I want to help create structures that support women through that learning curve, that give them the tools and confidence to lead sooner and louder. That’s why I care so much about outreach to women in operations, logistics, on the warehouse floor—places where leadership potential is often overlooked,” Carrie expresses. “We must stop thinking of empowerment as a ‘top-down’ thing. It’s about opening doors at every level, recognizing talent where it already exists, and being intentional about lifting others as we rise. That’s what drives me—making sure the next generation of women doesn’t have to push quite as hard just to be seen.”

Not only does her message shift the perspectives of today, but her story does too.

“There’s one moment that’s stayed with me my whole life. I was young, working in a big girl job, eager to learn and be part of the team. One day, a ‘manager’ told me to turn around, stop talking, and just do my work. He said that if he could, he’d put a box over my desk and me. I’ve never forgotten that,” Carrie describes. “The feeling of being silenced, minimized—not because I couldn’t do the work, but because someone else didn’t see my value. And I wasn’t the only one he treated that way over the years. You never forget that feeling. But what it did was ignite something in me—a fire to make sure no other woman feels boxed in or defined by someone else’s narrow view of her potential.”

As with many formative experiences Carrie has had, this one helped shape her and how she mentors others. It fuels why she is so committed to creating spaces where women are empowered, encouraged, and free to bring their full selves to the table.

“Because no one gets to put us in a box,” she says. “We define ourselves.”

When it comes to this regional conference, Carrie shares that there are already so many barriers to accessing this type of experience—whether it be financial, time, or distance.

“Not everyone can take three days off work, travel across the country, and not all businesses can afford the expenses that come with attending a national conference. That shouldn’t be what decides who gets to grow, lead, or be heard,” Carrie says.

As we prepare to join Carrie and those gathering for this inaugural addition, dive into the details of the most recent national conference in our recap here. For myself, I'm wheels up and on my way for some inspiration.