The Fresh Produce Association of the Americas will be celebrating the first ever Women’s Leadership Invitational during its 50th fall convention. The event will feature women from all walks of life who inspire and lead the way in the produce industry. The agenda for this year’s convention is packed with educational sessions and networking events featuring top women in produce.

The Women’s Leadership Invitational to be held on Friday, Nov. 2 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and will include the following exiting speakers:

• Rosie Favela Cornelius, winner of this years Pillar of the FPAA Award, has worked in the produce industry for more than 30 years and has played a major role planning past FPAA conventions
• Sabrina Hallman, FPAA board member at Sierra Seed and leading woman in the produce industry, will serve as the moderator and mistress of ceremonies
• Pati Jinich, keynote speaker for this year’s convention and host of PBS series Pati’s Mexican Table as well as James Beard award winner, will talk about her challenges and secrets to success as a woman entrepreneur
• Cathy Burns has built a career in the food industry. After rising through the ranks to become president of retailer Food Lion, she is now an industry leader as the chief executive officer of the Produce Marketing Association

“We are so excited to have this new event featuring leading women. We have already received positive response from local community leaders and we can’t wait for the Women’s Leadership Invitational at the Fall Convention,” said Marlene Lopez of the FPAA.

There will be a forum kick-off on Friday, Sept. 21 at the FPAA office, as part of a leadup to the FPAA Convention.

Registration for the 50th Nogales Produce Convention & Golf Tournament is now open. The event will run Nov. 1-3 at the Tubac Golf Resort & Spa. The three-day event will offer attendees the opportunity to hear from a diverse group of experienced speakers, a culinary event showcasing Mexico’s top produce, helicopter rides and much more.