International Women’s Day is all about celebrating the remarkable accomplishments of women. It’s also the perfect time to shine a light on some of the incredible women at Taylor Farms!
From overseeing quality assurance to driving customer relationships, the women of Taylor Farms are essential in making sure we cultivate and deliver fresh, delicious products all across North America.
Why International Women’s Day Matters
Observed each year on March 8, International Women’s Day is a worldwide occasion to celebrate women’s achievements. We’ve witnessed firsthand how the women of Taylor Farms continually drive us to innovate and improve. Their dedication and expertise shape how we grow as a company—and help us better serve our customers, too.
Proud Sponsors of IFPA’s Women’s Programs
One vital extension of our commitment to supporting women in fresh produce is our ongoing partnership with the International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA). Through this partnership, we’re proud to foster inclusive leadership and diverse perspectives. Taylor Farms is a proud sponsor of IFPA’s Women’s programs, including the annual Women’s Fresh Perspectives Conference. These events serve as a hub for leadership development, networking, and fresh thinking, all while ensuring that women in our industry have the tools, mentors, and platforms they need to succeed and thrive.
This year, we’re thrilled to send seven amazing team members to the 2025 Women’s Fresh Perspectives Conference: Jessica Tulgestka, Megan Strickland, Sally Chaidez, Raquel Estrada, Chelsea Perkins, and Jenny Panziera.
Each of these women brings a unique perspective and skill set to our company. We’re eager to see how they’ll embrace all the opportunities the conference offers—like leadership workshops, mentorship sessions, and networking events—and use those insights to strengthen the Taylor Farms community and the work we accomplish together.
Our History with Women’s Fresh Perspectives
Over the years, Taylor Farms has taken part in several Women’s Fresh Perspectives panels and conferences. We’ve been fortunate to have team members like Lisa Hearne share her expertise during a panel that discussed empowering women in foodservice, along with Rachel Molatore, who was featured in an article covering 2022’s conference in Albequerque. Our 2024 group of attendees also made waves at last year’s event as they took part in discussions on vital topics like advocacy, sustainability, and mentorship.
Speaking of mentorship, leaders like Amanda Knauff—our Vice President of Sales for Canada and the Northeast USA—highlighted in her “Mentors in the Making” feature in The Snack, how she actually met her own mentor at a Women’s Fresh Perspectives Conference. “It’s been just over two years, but she made an impact immediately when I needed quick advice in a scenario,” said Amanda. “It has been an eye-opening experience to even seek such relationships out.”
What’s in Store for the 2025 Conference
So, what makes the Women’s Fresh Perspectives Conference a can’t-miss event? Taking place from April 13-15 at Hyatt Park in Carlsbad, California, this year’s conference offers a jam-packed agenda full of leadership workshops, engaging panel discussions, and valuable networking events. It’s designed to help women at all career stages hone their skills, build professional relationships, and discover new approaches to business challenges within our fields.
Our attendees always return with fresh energy and ideas that cover everything from supply chain innovations to more inclusive workplace practices. And, of course, they bring back connections that can lead to new collaborations and industry partnerships.
Continuing the Celebration Beyond the Holiday
Supporting professional growth goes hand-in-hand with making sure our corporate culture is one where every voice is valued and heard. We hope to contribute to a future where women in fresh produce can continue to flourish.
In honor of this year’s International Women’s Day, we commend the resilience, creativity, and achievements of the women on our team. Here’s to celebrating the women leading the way at Taylor Farms—and to creating more opportunities for women around the world to shine!
For more information on IFPA’s 2025 Women’s Fresh Perspectives Conference, please visit IFPA’s official website.