Working in agriculture, it’s not uncommon to find myself one of a handful of women in a room full of men. But the Women’s Fresh Perspectives Conference in Yakima, Washington, on May 21 flipped that norm on its head: Over 200 women gathered to discuss leadership, career development and creating your own opportunities.
Jacqui Gordon Nuñez, vice president of the Washington State Tree Fruit Association and co-founder of the Agricultural Leadership Program, spoke about the importance of emotional leadership.
“I used to think that leaders had power because they had the answers,” she said. “But a good leader leads with questions.”
She urged everyone to identify their core values and then use those to ensure they are showing up at work in a way that aligns with those values.
Joining her on a panel was Traci Jensen of River Point Farms. She shared that leaders often feel pressure to prove themselves by how busy they are, but it’s important to delegate.
“We want to be busy, to check stuff on the list,” she said. But smart delegation builds teamwork and allows you to focus on the big picture, she said.
A second panel of women, Eva Martinez, Viri Acevedo and Soo Choi, shared lessons learned from the ups and downs in their career journeys. One takeaway: There’s no such thing as ready.
“Today, I’m not ready to be up here, but I’m doing it anyway,” said Acevedo, an office manager at Zirkle Fruit Co. She credits her career success as a young mom with her willingness to put herself forward for opportunities, even though it can be intimidating.
Martinez, an account manager at Superfresh Growers, shared a similar sentiment. After starting her career in shipping, she had the opportunity to move into sales and, at first, felt like she was in over her head.
“But there’s a solution for everything. You have to get out of your comfort zone and ask questions,” to learn and grow, she said.
Choi spoke frankly about her decision to leave a demanding career in produce sales to find a better work-life balance.
“Sometimes, you have to jump off a cliff,” she said. “Your career should be a garnish for your life. If it’s not checking some boxes, you have to jump.”
In a space dominated by women, many attendees felt more open to discuss stress management and the challenges of finding a work-life balance in the demanding pace of the produce industry.
“It’s important to remember when you say yes to something, you are saying no to something else,” Acevedo said.
As for stress, Martinez recommended crochet, and Acevedo said that building relationships with her co-workers through fun events such as barbecues and volleyball games helps her team get through the hard times together.
“It helps me remember that they aren’t trying to cause me stress, the stress is just part of the job,” she said.
The event concluded with a talk from Lina Sanchez of Duckwall Fruit Co., who shared her journey from growing up in Colombia, starting her career in the banana industry in Costa Rica, and finally landing in a role at Duckwall where she’s able to find balance between a successful career and prioritizing her faith and her family.
Organizers encouraged attendees to sign up for the International Fresh Produce Association’s women’s mentorship program and the national Women’s Fresh Perspectives Conference, which will be held next April in South Carolina. •
