Newark, De. – Center for Growing Talent (CGT) has announced that Jan DeLyser, vice president marketing for the California Avocado Commission will moderate the discussion with this year’s Women’s Fresh Perspectives (WFP) Leadership Breakfast keynote speaker, Queen Latifah, as part of the Fresh Summit programming. Queen Latifah is a well-known actress, musician, producer, entrepreneur and author. DeLyser will moderate an interview with Latifah providing insights that connect the star’s experiences to the industry.
Queen Latifah is a trailblazer. In 2006 she became the first hip hop artist to be awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. She is an Oscar and Emmy nominee, Grammy, Golden Globe and SAG award winner, and is also known for her work off camera. She is a producer and label president, owning and operating her own production company, Flavor Unit Entertainment. In addition to her work in film and television, Latifah is an author. Her book Put on Your Crown: Life-Changing Moments on the Path to Queendom was written to help young women build self-esteem through a series of personal stories and advice.
“Having Queen Latifah serve as speaker at this year’s breakfast and being asked to moderate the discussion is such an honor,” says DeLyser. “Her talent, resilience, influence and kindness are an inspiration. I look forward to introducing her to our industry and discussing her insights about making meaningful connections, learning from failure, and the importance of inclusion and empowerment in our daily living.”
The WFP Leadership Breakfast happens each year at Fresh Summit and provides industry members with a networking opportunity while also gaining relevant career insights from big voices with stories that challenge, inspire and motivate. Past speakers include Olympian skier Lindsey Vonn, Good Morning America presenter and 20/20 co-anchor Amy Robach, and former secretary of state Condoleezza Rice.
The breakfast is the final event in the WFP portfolio of events that begin each year with the Women’s Fresh Perspectives Conference and the reception that takes place at Foodservice Conference and Expo. WFP is designed exclusively by women for women in the industry. With a competency-based program developed from
research conducted in the industry, the portfolio offers the first and most robust leadership development program for women that covers the entire supply chain along the entire career continuum.
“The Women’s Fresh Perspectives events by CGT have proved exceptionally valuable to our organization,” says Kurt Vetter, president of Wonderful Sales. “The benefits of the high-quality programming and networking has gone beyond the professional development of the women on our team who attended from Wonderful Sales. These women leaders have been able to share learnings and inspiration broadly with our all our associates. The women on our team have grown as leaders within Wonderful Sales and have contributed mightily to our success.”
“The audience at the WFP Breakfast is unlike many events in our industry,” says CGT vice president, Alicia Calhoun. “We are bringing together new professionals and the most seasoned leaders, both female and male, creating great opportunities for networking and discussion. With the longevity of her career and her ability to adapt and grow with our changing world, Queen Latifah will be a perfect speaker for our breakfast this year. I’m looking forward to Jan drawing connections to our industry and to the Women’s Fresh Perspectives portfolio as a whole.”
The Women’s Fresh Perspectives Breakfast will take place on Saturday, October 19th from 8:00a.m. – 9:45a.m. in Grand Ballrooms A-K at the Anaheim Marriott. The event is open to all, even those not registered for Fresh Summit, however, a separate registration is required. Seating is limited and seats are going quickly, for more information, or to register, go to the CGT website today.
About Produce Marketing Association
Produce Marketing Association (PMA) is the leading trade association representing companies from every segment of the global produce and floral supply chain. PMA helps members grow by providing connections that expand business opportunities and increase sales and consumption. For more information, visit www.pma.com.
