2026 marks a historic milestone: the United Nations has declared it the International Year of the Woman Farmer. This formal recognition celebrates those females in the industry who, with steady hands and strategic vision, sustain global food security. Today, women are not just participants—they are designing the future of the supply chain.
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Ivonne Lugo: The Engine of Human Evolution
For Ivonne Lugo, PR and Marketing Manager at SL Produce, leadership is not about gender, but about vision and execution. With five years in the sector—which she describes as “multiplied by ten” due to its intensity—Ivonne maintains that women are the engine of agricultural evolution. Her approach brings a deeply human perspective, connecting the dots between technology, sustainability, and the human factor. At SL Produce, Ivonne celebrates a structure where key roles, from recruitment to agribusiness management, are led by women. For her, the industry’s transformation occurs through the perfect balance of masculine experience and feminine intuition. “We are detectives by nature,” she explains, referring to the feminine ability to read the consumer. Her message to professional mothers is powerful: a career in agriculture doesn’t divide them—it multiplies them. Between business strategies and bedtime stories, the sector’s resilience is built.
Marina Bernal: Cultivating Tomorrow’s Talent
As CFO of Sweet Seasons, Marina Bernal sees 2026 as the validation of talent at all levels of the sector. Marina argues that for the industry to be competitive and sustainable, it must leverage 100% of its human capital, from logistics to C-suite leadership. The professionalization of the sector has acted as a magnet, attracting a new generation of women who see “produce” as a viable, high-impact career path. Marina maintains that equity and merit strengthen decision-making, creating organizations that are more robust against market fluctuations. When clear female role models exist, a domino effect is created, inspiring others to replicate those achievements. Her financial focus does not ignore the human element; on the contrary, she affirms that the best practices emerge from a diverse exchange of ideas. Her closing message summarizes the essence of this international year: “Nourishing the world begins by cultivating talent and opportunity within our own industry.”
Mayra Romero: Ethics and a Maternal Connection to the Land
Mayra Romero, co-founder of Fresco Produce, has spent nearly two decades in trade between Mexico, the U.S., and Canada. For Mayra, the UN designation is an “awakening” that formalizes a value that has always been there. She visualizes female leadership as an extension of maternal responsibility: just as a mother care for her children’s health, a female leader seeks cleaner, more sustainable agriculture. “We cannot add whatever we want to the land,” Mayra warns, promoting organic alternatives to ensure healthy food. Her management style stands out for its humanistic and ethical approach, prioritizing better working conditions and a long-term vision. After years of breaking paradigms regarding female capability, Mayra invites her colleagues to eradicate the phrase “I can’t” from their minds. Her philosophy is simple yet powerful: “I can, I want to, and I will.” Capability, she asserts, has been the master key to her success.
Myrna Castro: Qualitative and Resilient Transformation
From her management role at EMEX AC, Myrna Castro redefines female participation as a functional reconfiguration of the industry. For her, the impact of women is not a simple staff change, but a qualitative transformation. Her urgent message to the industry is the need to recognize equality and boost talent through access to technical training and soft-skills development. Myrna emphasizes that modern leadership must go beyond the operational to focus on resilience and true innovation. She observes with optimism as more women occupy strategic positions in the office as well as in direct livestock and agricultural activities. Her vision integrates production with strategy, arguing that feeding the world requires a collective effort infused with intelligence and dedication. For Myrna, women are the key piece that allows rural communities and global companies to look forward with a stronger structure.
Cheryl Densten: The Pioneer Who Blazed the Trail
With over 40 years in the industry, Cheryl Densten, Director of East Coast Sales at Little Bear Produce, has been both a witness to and a protagonist in a radical metamorphosis. Rising from secretary to a leader in sales and planting planning, Cheryl remembers a time when the field was a “man’s world.” For her, the most urgent message is understanding that women no longer need to prove their worth: “We already did. We are here, and we aren’t going anywhere.” Her leadership is based on trust and long-term alliances. Cheryl highlights that the female presence in executive positions at supermarkets and farms has transformed the industry, bringing a unique sensitivity to what the consumer is looking for. “As women, we know what we want to see when we go to the grocery store,” she says. Today, Cheryl mentors new generations, including her daughter, assuring them that the path, while still challenging, is much wider thanks to the perseverance of those who refused to take “no” for an answer.