UnitedAg Conference to feature women's leadership panel

Women in fresh produce and agricultural leadership roles will speak at a panel discussion on the industry’s future during the 36^th annual UnitedAg meeting and conference March 15-17 in Anaheim.

The panel, titled “Women Ag Leaders: Paving the Way,” features:

• Abby Taylor-Silva, vice president of policy and communications for the Grower-Shipper Association of Central California;
• Karen Caplan, president and CEO of Frieda’s Specialty Produce;
• Ellen Way, past state president of California Women for Agriculture;
• Fiona Ma, chairwoman of the California Board of Equalization, District 2; and
• Karri Hammerstrom, agricultural advocate, grower and educator.

“This panel will be a lively discussion regarding issues facing our industry and the important role women will play to mentor and foster future ag leaders,” Kirti Mutatkar, United Ag CEO and president, said in a news release.

More information on the conference is online. It will also include a 5-kilometer walkathon and a member golf tournament benefiting UnitedAg’s scholarship foundation and an awards banquet.

The event is at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa.

By Mike Hornick

---