IGIA Women's Network

IGIA Women's Network

The IGIA Women’s Network offers high-quality professional development, opportunities to lead and a strong network of support to advance women in the food industry.

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2025 Events

IGIA Women's Network Half-Day Conference
Wednesday, June 18
Location TBA
​Register Online
Connect with women from across the industry! Enjoy a chance to deep dive into peer connections, gain insights about emerging AI tech from Mohamed Traore, and hear tips and experiences from other industry women in a panel discussion about work-life balance. We'll wrap up with a community service project supporting Give Grace, Give Hope. 

​Agenda:

• 9:30 am- 9:45 am Check-In and Networking
• 9:45 am-10:45 am Networking Activity Hour
• 10:45 am-11:45 am Mohamad Traore, AI in the Grocery Industry
• 11:45 am-12:15 pm Lunch Break
• 12:15 pm-1:00 pm Industry Panel
• 1:00 pm-2:00 pm Period Packing for Give Grace Give Hope

Industry Panelists: Kara Clark, Kum & Go/Maverik, Morgan Elgersma, Atlantic Coca-Cola Bottling and Kimberly Messmer, Ruan

Community Service Organization: Give Grace Give Hope provides period packs along with encouraging notes to women in our community that cannot afford pads or tampons.


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Eileen Gannon, Sunday Night Foods
Wednesday, September 17 (at the Get Connected Convention)
Hyatt Regency, Coralville, IA
Hear from speaker Eileen Gannon, founder of Sunday Night Foods, about her experience turning her personal passion project into a specialty food brand. The session will be a special event during the IGIA Get Connected Convention.


Life in the Industry: Panel Discussion
Thursday, October 23, 1-2:30 PM
A panel of grocery industry leaders will share perspectives on work-life balance, the value of mentorship, what they wish they knew along the way and ways to support women in a male-dominated industry. 

This session's community service activity will be a donation drive for the Animal Rescue League of Iowa.

About the Women's Network
Established in March 2014, the Iowa Grocery Industry Association Women’s Network represents women affiliated with the food industry. The organization is a valuable resource for industry professionals, providing educational events, mentor relationships, leadership skills, networking opportunities and community involvement.
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Our Mission
The IGIA Women’s Network offers high-quality professional development, opportunities to lead and a strong network of support to advance women in the food industry.
Objectives

• Education -- support career development and personal growth, as well as encourage lifelong learning.
• Mentoring — promote the exchange of ideas, create opportunities for interaction among its members and encourage professional relationships with industry peers.
• Leadership -- provide events and resources to enhance leadership skills as well as offer opportunities to put these skills into practice.
• Networking -- encourage members to meet and connect so they may build a strong personal and professional network of industry peers who are facing similar challenges and opportunities.
• Service — Foster community involvement, contribute to local non-profit organizations and promote strong community relationships.​

The IGIA Women’s Network partners with IGIA member companies to host a variety of events throughout the year. Events such as motivational speaker presentations, half-day training sessions, networking opportunities, leadership activities and community involvement projects are complimentary or kept low-cost for members.

Outstanding Speakers

About

If you would like to receive emails about the IGIA Women's Network, please contact Annie at [email protected].