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.

About

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

2026 Events

IGIA Women's Network Half-Day Conference
Thursday, June 4, 2026
Location: Johnson Brothers of Iowa, 6600 Merle Hay Rd, Johnston, IA 50131

Register Online

Connect with women from across the industry! Enjoy a chance to deep dive into peer connections, learn from keynote speaker Kelli Paskert about how to level up your presence as a woman in male-dominated spaces, 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 the Young Women's Resource Center.

Agenda:

9:30 AM: Check-In and Networking
9:45 AM: Networking Activity Hour
10:45 AM: Kelli Paskert, Level Up Your Presence
11:45 AM: Lunch Break (lunch will be provided)
12:15 PM: Women in the Industry Panel
1 PM: Snack Pack Packing for the Young Women’s Resource Center

The day will end at 2 PM.

Keynote Speaker: Kelli Paskert

Level Up Your Presence: A great presentation about how women show up at work - especially in male-dominated industries. It focuses on confidence, communication, and credibility. Learn how to speak up, be taken seriously, and navigate different personalities without losing your voice.
About Kelli: I built my career in construction, an industry where women are outnumbered, expectations are high, and confidence isn’t optional. That world taught me how to hold my ground, trust my instincts, and speak with conviction. Today, I use those lessons to help others do the same. I'm passionate about teaching people how to speak up, stand tall, and live bold — at work and in life. My approach is real and unapologetic: part strategy, part story, and always rooted in truth. I believe confidence isn’t about being loud - it’s about being clear on who you are and what you stand for. My goal is simple: help people claim their seat at the table and change what happens there.

Industry Panelists: TBA

Community Service Organization: Snack-Pack packing for the Young Women’s Resource Center (YWRC). Find out more about YWRC at ywrc.org.

Women's Network at Convention
Monday, September 21, 2026 (at the Get Connected Convention)
Join us for a meaningful and energizing 90-minute Women’s Network session at this year’s Convention. Held in the afternoon on the first day of Convention, before everything gets officially started in the evening, this session is a great way to start your Convention experience by meeting and connecting with other industry women. This session will be focused on intentional networking that goes beyond small talk, creating space for authentic conversations, shared experiences, and lasting professional relationships. We'll also do a hands-on community service project benefiting University of Iowa Stead Family Children's Hospital, supporting young patients and their families. Light refreshments will be provided.

Registration coming in May as part of Convention registration. Stay tuned and reach out to Annie ([email protected]) with any questions.

Introductory Self-Defense Workshop
Wednesday, November 4, 1:45-3 PM
Location: The Village Youth Center, 1975 N. Ankeny Blvd, Suite 110, Ankeny, IA 50023

C.O.B.R.A. Introductory Self-Defense Workshop:
C.O.B.R.A. stands for Combat Objective Battle Ready Application and is highly effective in real world situations where your survival is on the line. Amy Ratekin will teach safety tips in this introductory class while presenting and practicing hands-on, powerful techniques for survival.

Community Service: We will be holding a donation drive for Spread Your Wings.

Spread Your Wings empowers youth and keeps them safe from harm and violence. All programs will focus on reducing bullying, exploitation, human trafficking, and other violence against youth. We promote the physical, emotional, and mental well-being of all youth ages 5-18. Through the Village Youth Center, we will promote a socially responsible culture, make a positive impact, and bring sustainable benefits to the youth and their families in the community. Stay tuned for a list of items to donate.

Registration will open later this year.

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.

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