Year-Round Mentorship, Networking, and Advocacy Strengthen Women’s Impact in the Industry

The International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) is expanding its commitment to empower women in the fresh produce and floral industries through an array of initiatives aimed at cultivating leadership, encouraging mentorship, and offering robust networking opportunities.

By bringing professionals together throughout the calendar year, the organization strives to foster a more inclusive workforce and help women gain the resources they need to thrive.

This dedication is showcased through IFPA’s wide-reaching Women’s Fresh Perspectives Portfolio, which aims to bolster professional development for women at various stages of their careers.

One of the most notable achievements this year is the sellout of IFPA’s premier women’s networking event, The Women’s Fresh Perspectives Conference, for the third consecutive year.

The extraordinary demand for this conference underscores its value to women seeking to connect with like-minded professionals, exchange ideas, and access opportunities that nurture professional growth.

Building on that success, IFPA is offering a range of year-round programs for those who want to engage even more deeply in women’s issues, policy discussions, and leadership training.

“The overwhelming response to The Women’s Fresh Perspectives Conference highlights the important role these events play in supporting the professional growth of women in our industry. We are committed to providing ongoing opportunities for women to connect, learn, and lead through our range of programs, and we will continue to support them in every step of their journey.”

Cathy Burns, CEO of IFPA

Driven by this mission, IFPA encourages women across different sectors of produce and floral to get involved in multiple events and initiatives taking place at various points throughout 2025.

One of the key occasions is The Washington Conference: Focus on Advocacy Breakfast, set for June 11, 2025.

This gathering is designed to connect visionary women already attending The Washington Conference, enabling them to share insights on policy, advocacy, and leadership within the fresh produce and floral industries.

By facilitating dialogue between established leaders and emerging voices, the breakfast aims to unite individuals who are enthusiastic about advancing women’s participation in shaping advocacy efforts.

Another opportunity arrives on July 31, 2025, at The Foodservice Conference, where an afternoon reception will give female professionals and leaders an exclusive forum to discuss best practices, explore mentorship possibilities, and form relationships that can spur progress in the larger foodservice environment.

Looking later into the year, IFPA’s Global Produce & Floral Show on October 18, 2025, will also feature a Women’s Breakfast, intended to spark new conversations around professional development and innovation.

The event has traditionally drawn a broad mix of women from across the industry, making it an important moment for exchanging experiences, providing feedback on market trends, and supporting each other’s paths toward advanced leadership roles.

By placing these gatherings within the industry’s most significant conferences, IFPA ensures that the people who shape global produce and floral are exposed to women’s voices and perspectives on a large scale.

Beyond these scheduled activities, the Women’s Fresh Perspectives Portfolio includes a 2025 Women’s Fresh Perspectives Mentoring Program, crafted to pair seasoned industry professionals with rising talent in an environment conducive to genuine connections and growth.

This structured program will facilitate ongoing discussions that allow participants to tackle career challenges head-on, learn about effective leadership, and develop strategies for achieving success in a competitive business landscape.

The mentorship experience is intended to resonate beyond the professional realm, offering guidance that can translate into real-world achievements for both mentors and mentees.

“Women bring essential perspectives and leadership to our industry, and we’re proud to provide programs that help them thrive,” added Burns. “These events and initiatives create pathways for individual success while also strengthening the industry by building a more impactful and dynamic workforce.”

Whether women are seeking to refine their leadership style, become more adept at navigating policy, or find a community that champions their ambitions, IFPA’s comprehensive approach addresses these needs by ensuring there is consistent support at every stage.