It’s about the Passion and Collaboration that Builds - Women Leaders in Food Safety

Earlier in April, our Women in Food Safety (WIFS) LATAM Chapter hosted our very first WIFS in-person event at the 2024 LATAM Food Safety Summit in Cancun, MX.; The summit which was organized by Grupo Delcen drew attendance from Latin America and the Caribbean and featured distinguished speakers from all over the world.
Chapter coordinator, Damarys Del Castillo, Sigma, moderated a wonderful panel of female leaders consisting of Itzel Castillo, Pepsi Co. and Herlinda Hernandez, WestRock with Melody Ge, our Women in Food Safety Founder. 
Each panelist delivered an inspiring message based on their own personal and professional experiences, that resonated with our audience of over 400 food safety leaders. ​

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Their presentations took us each on a personal journey, reflecting on our own lives and emotions. They highlighted the importance of having purpose and passion in whatever we do, encouraging us to see ourselves as agents of inspiration to others and promoting and creating new leaders. The panel emphasized the importance of being determined and of using challenges and roadblocks to create new opportunities to thrive. 
The topic of work-life balance was also re-visited along with the importance of self-care. We were reminded that only after taking good care of ourselves, are we able to take care of others, and those that rely upon us.
Finally, the panel shared their wisdom on being open and accepting, providing us with the assurance that it is “okay” to ask for help when needed because, after all, we are all perfectly imperfect! ​

The energy we experienced, and the feedback that we received from the audience during those days in Cancun was amazing. With the sound of the ocean in our ears, not only were we reminded of one of our missions; but were awakened to the fact that we were accomplishing it, by truly growing a community and creating a networking space for all females in the food safety industry to thrive. 
In this community, it’s about everyone, it is about sharing stories and experiences, and it is about every female’s voice being heard.