NourishHer Summit 2024
November 8th 2024, Minnesota
Join the Females in Food Community for our first NourishHer Summit, an immersive day of hands on workshops, mentorship, panel discussions, targeted networking, and inspiring conversations with best in class food and beverage industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and leadership coaches.
The Event
The day is focused on bringing to life what our community most deserves – an initiative dedicated to establishing the true value of exchange needed to support women in business across the spectrum of success. The summit will bring like-minded women inspiring and educational content from the best in the business. Incorporating hands-on workshops and opportunities to connect and network – for a full day focused on “nourishing her”.
Connect
Network with accomplished women from every sector and function of the F&B industry. This is your chance to build meaningful relationships, exchange ideas, and create opportunities for collaboration. Whether you're an executive, entrepreneur, or emerging leader, you'll find a welcoming and supportive environment to expand your professional network.
Inspire
Be energized by fresh perspectives and innovative ideas from our lineup of dynamic presenters. Each year, we bring together thought leaders and industry trailblazers who share their experiences and insights, sparking inspiration and empowering you to take bold steps in your career.
Grow
Engage in sessions and workshops designed to foster personal and professional growth. Our carefully curated program addresses the unique challenges and opportunities faced by women in the F&B industry, providing actionable strategies to help you thrive. Learn from experts, gain new skills, and leave with a renewed sense of purpose and direction.
Thank you to our
Empower Sponsors
our platform
About Females in Food
Females in Food is the first female-focused professional platform committed to closing the gender gap across every sector of the F&B industry.
Females in Food deploys a 360-degree approach to talent development and gender diversity by offering a curated network of women leaders, events and a digital platform providing access to insights, resources, and support to maximize the impact and potential of women leaders in the F&B industry. FIF also acts as a trusted partner to organizations to help increase gender diversity through talent connection, professional development, and employer branding.
We understand that in business, who you know matters as much as what you know. Our community fosters an unmatched culture of collaboration and support resulting in industry relationships that lead to new business opportunities, cost savings, and problem solving.
Register for the Summit
November 8th, 2024
Pricing
ATTENDEE
- Day long professional development sessions
- Breakfast, Lunch, and Cocktail Reception
- Impactful networking with fellow women in the food and beverage industry
$325
MEMBER
- Day long professional development sessions
- Breakfast, Lunch, and Cocktail Reception
- Impactful networking with fellow women in the food and beverage industry
$235
Access your member lounge for your coupon code under “Event Sign Up”
STUDENT
- Day long professional development sessions
- Breakfast, Lunch, and Cocktail Reception
- Impactful networking with fellow women in the food and beverage industry
$145
Email us for your student discount code
TEAM PACKAGE
- Day long professional development sessions
- Breakfast, Lunch, and Cocktail Reception
- Impactful networking with fellow women in the food and beverage industry
$2000
keynote speaker
Arika Pierce Williams, JD
Arika Pierce Williams, CEO and Founder of Piercing Strategies, is a leadership speaker and author with a passion for creating forward-thinking leaders. After 15 years of corporate leadership experience, her 360 view of leadership has empowered her to help individuals hone their goals and reach their full potential.
Arika brings a fresh and innovative approach that focuses on shifting the mindset, beliefs and actions that leaders need to thrive and succeed in their careers. She helps her clients create actionable plans that mitigate risks and open new avenues of opportunity.
Arika is a sought-after speaker whose interactive speaking style effectively engages audiences. She is also the author of I Can. I Will. Watch Me: How to Not Be Overlooked, Underpaid or Undervalued.
Arika often mixes content with humor, leaving audiences with actionable and tactical tools to own their careers. Through her keynotes, workshops, and books, she supports leaders across every level in their leadership journey.
keynote speaker
Sarah Bridges, PhD, MBA
Sarah Bridges, PhD, MBA, is a psychologist, executive coach, and consultant with over 25 years’ experience. She is the founder, leader, and client engagement executive of Bridges. Prior to Dr. Bridges’ 15 years leading her own firm, she held the Senior Executive role in Human Resources with a $1.7B Fortune 1000 company and served as a Senior Consultant with a leading healthcare commercialization organization.
She advises senior executives at a broad range of PE-backed organizations, Fortune 500 clients, and fast-growth companies. She provides executive assessment, organization effectiveness, leadership coaching, and cultural integration consulting.
Dr. Bridges received her PhD in psychology from the University of Minnesota, MBA from Benedictine University, and her BA in psychology from Wesleyan University.
2024 Agenda
November 8th, 2024
keynote speaker
In this dynamic keynote, Arika will inspire the audience with tactical strategies to push beyond their comfort zones at work.
We often find ourselves waiting for the perfect moment to take action or waiting until we feel completely “ready” before pursuing our goals. However, the reality is that there will never be a perfect time or perfect circumstance. Waiting for readiness can be a hindrance to progress and can cause us to miss out on opportunities.
During this session, Arika shares her personal experiences and provide actionable insights for the audience to apply in their own lives and careers. The session is high energy and thought-provoking, with a focus on inspiring the audience to take action and embrace the journey towards their goals.
Arika Pierce Williams, CEO and Founder of Piercing Strategies, is a leadership speaker and author with a passion for creating forward-thinking leaders. After 15 years of corporate leadership experience, her 360 view of leadership has empowered her to help individuals hone their goals and reach their full potential.
Arika brings a fresh and innovative approach that focuses on shifting the mindset, beliefs and actions that leaders need to thrive and succeed in their careers. She helps her clients create actionable plans that mitigate risks and open new avenues of opportunity.
Arika is a sought-after speaker whose interactive speaking style effectively engages audiences. She is also the author of I Can. I Will. Watch Me: How to Not Be Overlooked, Underpaid or Undervalued.
Arika often mixes content with humor, leaving audiences with actionable and tactical tools to own their careers. Through her keynotes, workshops, and books, she supports leaders across every level in their leadership journey.
breakout session
speaker
Living your best life seems obvious but let’s talk about confidence, success, goals and living your fullest, happiest and most authentic life. What is it that makes you truly happy? What does success mean to you? Where do you see yourself in 10 years? What motivates you?
Nicole N. Middendorf, CDFA will help you tackle all of these questions in this interactive workshop leaving you with strategies of how you can take control of your life, career and finances to truly live your best life.
Nicole is a money maven, a knowledge junkie, a survivor, a single mom, and a born coach. She is an entrepreneur who left Morgan Stanley in 2003 to run her own wealth management firm. Nicole is the author of five books, a world traveler, philanthropist, and an accomplished public speaker.
As a Wealth Advisor and Certified Divorce Financial Analyst with Prosperwell Financial, her main focus is to help people find happiness and live life to the fullest. She is able to accomplish this through one-on-one client meetings, writing books, presenting at conferences, and appearing on TV, radio, and other media.
Nicole shares financial advice and a real-life perspective on saving, planning, and investing with audiences across the country. Her primary goal is to take complicated subjects and make them easy to understand. She works hard to empower her audience to make crucial and positive changes in their own lives. Nicole’s books have received local and national press coverage, where she has become known for her thoughtful concise quotes, relaxed on-air presence, and articulate delivery.
The world needs more people to be financially savvy and wholly independent. Nicole’s goal is to be the one who supports them on all levels and helps them find financial happiness.
lunch
Re-Focus moment
Erin Tietz, an industry leader in holistic health, is deeply passionate about helping people live their best lives. A former dancer and NFL cheerleader, Erin experienced injury and subsequent chronic pain throughout her career and was driven to find a path toward healing. After trying dozens of techniques, she finally discovered how activated movement can change scar tissue. Ten minutes of fascia work changed her life forever and set in motion her desire to share what she learned with others.
Erin is the founder of a renowned fascia health program, reaching clients through virtual and in-person classes and one-on-one, private sessions. She is a guest instructor who works with multiple boutique studios in Minneapolis, Chicago, and New York City.
Breakout session: Track 1
Entrepreneurial Track: From start-up to seasoned: lessons from each stage of entrepreneurship
Anita formed IN Food Marketing & Design (formerly Vavricka Juntti & Company) in 1995. Her
full-service ad agency works with top food companies such as General Mills, Ruiz Foodservice, BakeMark, Burnett Dairy Cooperative and Pizzey Ingredients. She is a graduate of the University of Minnesota with a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism.
Through her company’s “5% to Fight Hunger” Program, the agency gives back 5% of their profits to support hunger-related causes in our community. Anita is passionate about supporting and mentoring other women. In 2017 she received the Enterprising Woman of the Year Award, which recognizes women who have fast-growth businesses, mentor or actively support other women and girls involved in entrepreneurship, and stand out as leaders in their communities. In 2019, she received the NAWBO Achieve Award, and was a 2020 “Women in Business” Honoree by the Mpls/St. Paul Business Journal. IN Food Marketing & Design was named to the Mpls/St. Paul Business Journal’s “Fast 50” list in both 2019 and 2020, and named a “Best Places to Work” in 2023.
Anita is former president of Women Entrepreneurs of Minnesota (WeMN), and has been a WBENC-certified woman-owned business since 2004. She is an avid golfer and currently
serves on the board of the local chapter of the LPGA Amateurs.
Julie Curtis has spent her entire professional career in the food industry. A graduate of Minnesota State University with a degree in Marketing, she began her career in Procurement and Category Management leadership roles with the foodservice division of Kraft Foods, SuperValu, and Nash Finch. She later pivoted her career into executive recruitment, joining a boutique search firm servicing food manufacturing, grocery and retail-based Fortune 500 Companies.
In 2002, she joined Nash Finch Company, a Fortune 500 grocery retailer and wholesaler, as the head of Talent Acquisition. In this role, she led the talent acquisition function for corporate, distribution, and retail, including employee relations, diversity recruitment, AAP/OFCCP, workforce planning, talent management, succession planning, and organizational development. This pivotal role working hand in hand with the executive team formed the foundation for Curtis Food Recruiters and her philosophy to match people to the right job by clearly understanding the organization’s culture along with the specific skills, leadership style, and motivations to be successful in that position.
Julie started Curtis Food Recruiters in 2006, combining her experience in merchandising and supply chain with food industry executive recruitment and corporate talent acquisition. She is energized by her work and takes pride in partnering with our exceptional clients and candidates. Julie is married with two amazing children and two happy dogs.
Julie’s professional experience includes:
- President, Curtis Food Recruiters
• Head of Talent Acquisition, Nash Finch Company
• Vice President, Recruitment, Agri-Business Services
• Various Merchandising and Supply Chain positions for Nash Finch, SuperValu, and Kraft Foods
Emily is Co-Founder and Managing Director of Waypost Advisors and self-proclaimed “supply chain geek.”
With 18 years of supply chain experience, her career has spanned transportation & logistics, demand/supply planning, and continuous improvement along with leading large supply chain groups within Cargill. She’s dedicated her passion and expertise to small and mid-size manufacturers by providing access to the supply chain experience that could help them grow their business and take advantage of the secrets of large companies. Emily gets excited about solving problems and tackling big challenges. You’ve likely never met someone quite as passionate about inventory theory as she is. Aside from the occasional juicy inventory analysis, she enjoys art projects with her daughter, snowboarding in the winter, and cycling in the summer.
Jeni Ellick has over 20 years of CPG food Innovation and R&D experience spanning fortune 500, mid-sized family-owned and emerging equity-backed companies.
After 15 years developing winning products, leading teams, and creating growth strategies inside companies – Conagra, Krusteaz and Angie’s BOOMCHICKAPOP, she founded Artisan Row, a bespoke food design and strategy agency. Artisan Row partners with pre-revenue to mid-sized, high growth brands and companies in the natural and organic space to create better food products. Jeni also serves on the BOD of Naturally MN and mentors for several food hubs and accelerators. When not feeding her passion for contributing to a better food system, you can find her cooking at home, tending the vegetable garden or biking with her son, Griffin.
The Sajady sisters grew up dousing rice, eggs and basically EVERYTHING in their Mother’s Magic Green Sauce, a punchy fresh Afghan chutney made of cilantro and ginger.
Maazah won the 2023 ExpoWest Pitch slam. Maazah is a 2022 Kroger Go Fresh & Local Supplier and completed the 2021 ImpactSKU accelerator. Product line available nationwide through Target, Whole Foods, and Kroger. Maazah partners with The Malala Fund to support girls’ education around the world.
Breakout session: Track 2
Join us for an engaging panel discussion featuring three distinguished executives from the food and beverage industry.
This event will delve into the strategies and best practices for successfully navigating the complex corporate dynamics that professionals encounter in today’s competitive landscape.
Jennifer Montgomery is a seasoned HR leader with 18 years of progressive experience in the food service and manufacturing industries. Since joining Tetra Pak in 2015, she has held various roles, including HR Manager and HR Country Representative. In 2022, she was appointed as the Head of HR for the U.S. and Canada Market Company.
In her current role, Jennifer oversees policy, compliance, employee and labor relations, employee engagement, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), wellbeing, and benefits rewards strategy. Further, she leads a team of HR and Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) professionals, ensuring a supportive, safe and compliant workplace environment.
Jennifer holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Human Resource Management from the University of North Texas. She is an active member of several professional organizations including the Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM), North Texas SHRM, IDFA HR Leaders, IDFA Dairy Diversity Coalition, and Females in Food (FIF).
Amy is currently in the role of VP of Innovation, Technology & Quality for GMI’s International business. In this role, Amy has accountability for leading product development including innovation, renovation and HMM activities, along with ensuring food safety, quality and technology in support of GMI’s business outside of North America, which spans multiple platforms, brands and countries, both in retail and away from home.
Amy has a broad experience base in product development, engineering and business leadership. She began her career at GMI in 1989 and has held various roles in both Engineering and R&D. Amy’s engineering experience spans from managing capital projects for Big G and Cereal Partners Worldwide to leading the Controls and Information Systems group. Amy’s R&D experiences include product development and R&D Business Leadership positions in Snacks, Big G Cereals, Strategy and Innovation, and GMI’s International division. Amy also served as R&D Director in G-TECH, GMI’s Center for Technology creation where she had accountability for developing enabling technologies across General Mills’ manufacturing platforms. Amy then served as the R&D director for our Baking division, supporting brands such as Betty Crocker, Bisquick and Gold Medal. In 2013, Amy assumed ITQ leadership for our Convenience and Foodservice business, serving our away from home business across the GMI portfolio of products. In 2015, Amy assumed a combined role leading the Baking platform in support of our domestic retail business along with continuing to lead ITQ for the Convenience and Foodservice segment. In 2017, the Baking platform became global and was expanded to include the ITQ teams supporting the EUAU and AMEA baking businesses. In 2019, Amy’s joined the ASLA segment leadership team to provide strategic ITQ oversight to that business. In 2021, Amy transitioned to a new role, assuming the ITQ leadership role for the new International segment that was formed and supports global brands such as from Haagen-Dazs, Old El Paso, Nature Valley and Betty Crocker and local gems such as Wanchai Ferry in China, and Yoki & Kitano in Brazil.
Amy holds a Bachelor of Chemical Engineering degree from the University of Minnesota and an MBA from the Carlson School of Management.
Angi Rassi is a growth accelerator, senior business leader and board member that is passionate about scaling high potential businesses in the natural / conscious products space. Angi is currently the Chief Growth Officer for Red’s All Natural. Red’s is the #1 premium burrito and breakfast sandwich brand on a mission to cook food better for people with big things to do. We know we are a good small part of people’s great big lives, and we take that responsibility seriously.
Prior to Red’s, Angi was the Vice President / Head of Innovation, Business Development & DEI at John B. Sanfilippo & Son, Inc where she led growth acceleration initiatives across new product innovation, partnerships, and M&A. She also led DEI and the Women at JBSS Employee Resource Group.
Prior to JBSS, Angi was an Officer (top 100 global leaders) at General Mills where she led businesses ranging in size from $25M to $1B and accelerated growth on all of them including 6 financial turnarounds, 3 transformational change initiatives and led two snack bars to be the fastest growing in the category leveraging category leading innovation.
Angi is on the Board of Directors for No Man’s Land Foods, Naturally Minnesota, & Lil Bucks’ She also leads the OSC / J.E.D.I. Collaborative peer mentoring circles for women in leadership in the natural products industry, advises female founders and has been an investor/mentor for ImpactSKU. Angi lives in Minneapolis with her husband, 3 kids, 2 dogs and 2 cats. They love being active and outside in nature.
Mary Kaul-Hottinger is executive vice president, chief human resources officer, for CHS, a leading global agribusiness and the largest farmer-owned cooperative in the United States.
In her role, Kaul-Hottinger is responsible for setting direction and strategy to help CHS achieve key priorities with a focus on helping the organization attract, develop and retain high-performing and diverse talent to drive business growth and the company’s strategies. She also has responsibility for the company’s community giving and employee volunteerism.
In her role, Kaul-Hottinger is responsible for setting direction and strategy to help CHS achieve key priorities with a focus on helping the organization attract, develop and retain high-performing and diverse talent to drive business growth and the company’s strategies. She also has responsibility for the company’s community giving and employee volunteerism.
Kaul-Hottinger has more than 38 years of experience in human resources. She joined CHS in 2018 after serving 11 years at Ecolab as vice president, human resources for Ecolab’s global businesses where she and her team supported multiple business units with more than 30,000 employees in the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia Pacific. Prior to joining Ecolab in 2007, Mary served in human resource leadership roles supporting operating divisions at General Mills and Pillsbury. She also held human resources roles at Securian Financial, formerly Minnesota Life.
Kaul-Hottinger serves on the boards of Together We Grow, a consortium of major agribusiness interests building the workforce of tomorrow and the Greater Twin Cities United Way. She earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of St. Thomas, St. Paul, Minn.
Breakout session: Track 1
Join us for an intimate fireside chat with Lindsey Hickey, CEO of Simek’s, as she shares her invaluable insights on navigating a successful career by following her passion.
This session will offer a deep dive into Lindsay’s personal journey, key career-defining moments, and practical advice on balancing passion with practicality. Attendees will also gain strategies for achieving work-life balance and learn how to guide and coach their teams to focus on what truly drives them.
Anita formed IN Food Marketing & Design (formerly Vavricka Juntti & Company) in 1995. Her
full-service ad agency works with top food companies such as General Mills, Ruiz Foodservice, BakeMark, Burnett Dairy Cooperative and Pizzey Ingredients. She is a graduate of the University of Minnesota with a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism.
Through her company’s “5% to Fight Hunger” Program, the agency gives back 5% of their profits to support hunger-related causes in our community. Anita is passionate about supporting and mentoring other women. In 2017 she received the Enterprising Woman of the Year Award, which recognizes women who have fast-growth businesses, mentor or actively support other women and girls involved in entrepreneurship, and stand out as leaders in their communities. In 2019, she received the NAWBO Achieve Award, and was a 2020 “Women in Business” Honoree by the Mpls/St. Paul Business Journal. IN Food Marketing & Design was named to the Mpls/St. Paul Business Journal’s “Fast 50” list in both 2019 and 2020, and named a “Best Places to Work” in 2023.
Anita is former president of Women Entrepreneurs of Minnesota (WeMN), and has been a WBENC-certified woman-owned business since 2004. She is an avid golfer and currently
serves on the board of the local chapter of the LPGA Amateurs.
Lindsey Hickey, CEO & Owner of Simek’s, is on a mission to create a guilt-free mealtime with convenient foods that are crafted with quality ingredients and homemade taste, that also make an impact in our community, country and world. Under Lindsey’s leadership, Simek’s has grown from a local frozen food company to the fastest growing frozen lasagna brand and meatball brand in the US, while helping millions of people along the way.
Lindsey has fortified strategic partnerships with key retail industry leaders, launched innovative new items, expanded distribution into new markets, donated millions of meals, and removed ocean-bound plastic from the environment.
Lindsey has been recognized for her outstanding leadership numerous times, including but not limited to, Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal 40 under 40 in 2018, Frozen & Refrigerated Women Achieving Remarkable Distinction (FORWARD) Award in 2023 and the Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal Women in Business Award in 2023.
Breakout session: Track 2
Join us for an engaging fireside conversation with Roxanne Davis, VP of Manufacturing at Post Consumer Brands as we delve into the challenges and opportunities in developing early career women and high-potential leaders. This insightful discussion will explore critical issues such as building the right bench strength, enhancing mobility, and ensuring consistent execution within the industry.
Roxanne will share her experiences and strategies on addressing the four major problems faced by organizations today:
1. Insufficient bench strength
2. Limited mobility
3. Inconsistent execution
4. Lack of awareness about available opportunities
We’ll also discuss the importance of success profiles and the need for robust business processes to keep them updated. The session will touch on the struggles young talent faces when navigating large organizations and mapping their career.
Key topics will include:
– Effective career mapping for high-potential leaders
– Developing the right competencies for career advancement
– Determining the optimal duration in each role
Don’t miss this opportunity to learn how much time and effort should be dedicated to talent development and how to create clear, achievable career paths for emerging leaders in the food and beverage industry. Whether you are an aspiring leader, a current manager, or an HR professional, this conversation will provide valuable insights and practical advice to help you and your organization thrive.
Angela Dodd brings 15 years of technical and commercial leadership in the B2B sector of the food and beverage industry. With a Bachelor’s and Master’s in Food Science specializing in bakery science from Kansas State University and an MBA from the University of Minnesota, Angela has successfully supported and sold functional and commodity ingredients to food manufacturers, leveraging her deep market insights and understanding of customer needs.
As the founder of Females in Food, Angela is dedicated to advancing gender equity and fostering diversity in leadership within the F&B industry. She is a strong advocate for mental health, family care, and creating inclusive workplace cultures.
Based in Minneapolis, Angela balances her professional commitments with being a devoted wife and mother of two young boys. In her spare time, she enjoys golfing, entertaining, outdoor activities, and is currently training for a half marathon.
Angela’s passion for connecting with others and driving positive change makes her a valuable leader and mentor in the industry.
Roxanne is currently in the role of VP of Manufacturing for Post Consumer Brands. In this role, Roxanne has accountability for 9 cereal manufacturing locations as well as a Business Operations team focused on bringing together commercial and manufacturing needs to drive profitable solutions.
In the 17 years Roxanne has been at Post she has also held roles in Quality and Food Safety, Business Operations, Integrated Planning & Strategy, Innovation, and was the Vice President and General Manager of The Three Sisters (Natural & Organic) Business Team. Prior to joining Post Roxanne worked for Kraft Foods and PepsiCo in various manufacturing and quality roles.
Roxanne holds a bachelor’s in chemistry degree from Texas A&M University. In addition, she completed the General Management Certification from Carson School of Management as well as the Mini-MBA from University of St. Thomas. Roxanne is certified in Integrated Business Planning through Oliver White.
keynote speaker
Join us for an insightful and empowering talk by Dr. Sarah Bridges, Psychologist, Author and executive coach. In this session, Sarah will guide you through the challenges and strategies of addressing difficult subjects, an essential skill for growing as a leader and embracing your voice.
Sarah will delve into why discussing certain topics is challenging, highlight those tough topics, and provide practical approaches to finding common ground and setting clear objectives. Learn how to navigate these conversations with the mindset of a coach rather than a manager, fostering an environment of understanding and growth.
Whether you’re a seasoned leader or an emerging one, this talk will equip you with the tools to handle uncomfortable discussions with confidence and poise. Don’t miss this opportunity to enhance your leadership skills and empower yourself and your team.
Sarah Bridges, PhD, MBA, is a psychologist, executive coach, and consultant with over 25 years’ experience. She is the founder, leader, and client engagement executive of Bridges. Prior to Dr. Bridges’ 15 years leading her own firm, she held the Senior Executive role in Human Resources with a $1.7B Fortune 1000 company and served as a Senior Consultant with a leading healthcare commercialization organization.
She advises senior executives at a broad range of PE-backed organizations, Fortune 500 clients, and fast-growth companies. She provides executive assessment, organization
effectiveness, leadership coaching, and cultural integration consulting. Dr. Bridges received her PhD in psychology from the University of Minnesota, MBA from Benedictine University, and her BA in psychology from Wesleyan University.
The venue
The Club at Golden Valley
Voted the “Best Banquet & Conference Facility” in Minnesota by Minneapolis-St.Paul magazine, The Club at Golden Valley offers breathtaking panoramic views of their world-class golf course. Attendees will experience exceptional cuisine and personalized service, ensuring that every detail is flawlessly executed. Join us for an unforgettable conference where excellence meets elegance.
