Women are leaders and agents of change in a world where agriculture and food production are transforming the industry.
They leave their mark on crops and distribution and innovate through experience, knowledge, and passion.
Four women who shine in the produce industry share their stories, the importance of mentorship and adaptability, and advice for future generations.
Related Article: Fresh Produce Companies Celebrate Women’s History Month
Family and Word – Malu Ruiz Crespo, President of RCF Distributors
Malu Ruiz Crespo leads RCF Distributors, a Mexican trading company with a presence in the U.S. for nearly 30 years. The family business has provided service to farmers by commercializing fresh products from Mexico and Peru for two years now. Her career began when she was little, and after studying Business Administration, she took over distribution management, adapting to market challenges and guiding her siblings.
- Mentorship: From her father Roberto, she learned honesty and the value of one’s word; from her mother Maluz, the importance of family unity. Melania Bonetti and her husband Carlos Ignacio González Magallón, Mexican consul in Nogales, Arizona (2001-2005), guided her in social and professional aspects when she arrived in that city.
- Essential for a workday: Starting early to optimize time. Prioritizing pending tasks, sales, collections, and commitments. Analyzing the political landscape to anticipate scenarios.
- Unforgettable in a workday: Every day is unique and presents unexpected challenges that require quick solutions and team collaboration to ensure customer satisfaction and business success.
- Qualities a leader should have: Organization, rules, and honesty.
- Advice: Be a team player, reliable, adaptable, and willing to go beyond your role to provide excellent service.
New Mistakes – Norma McClain, Sales and Marketing at Exp. Group LLC
Norma entered the agricultural industry by chance. A friend posted that there was a vacancy at the Central de Abastos in McAllen, Texas, where what she calls her adventure in produce began. After having some other jobs, she arrived at Exp. Group LLC is dedicated to producing, importing, and distributing tropical fruits and vegetables from Central and South America.
- Mentorship: Ernesto Maurer, CEO of Tabafresh Farms, interviewed her and told her something that stuck with her: “Let’s make new mistakes.” Mistakes are for learning, but if you’re making new mistakes, it’s because you’re trying other things. If you make the same ones, you’re stagnant and not learning.
- Essential for a workday: Coffee, good music, and a positive attitude.
- Unforgettable in a workday: Celebrating every achievement, small or large.
- Qualities a leader should have: Adaptability, resilience, integrity, and taking care of mental and physical health.
- Advice: There are many opportunities in the produce industry, from sales to logistics and accounting. It’s a dynamic industry where you’ll never get bored because changes are rapid.
Think with a Cool Head – Vicky Cabello, CEO of Cabefruit
Vicky Cabello grew up in the industry thanks to her father, who inspired her to continue the family business. Visits to orchards and packing houses have been a daily occurrence throughout her life. It’s natural, she says, to be involved in the industry. She is currently the CEO of Cabefruit, a producer and packer company in Mexico and a distributor in the United States.
- Mentorship: Her father has been her primary mentor, teaching her to analyze work, solve problems, and see everything with a cool head. She has also had female mentors who have helped her in specific areas such as system management and mango knowledge. Now, she shares her expertise with the people she manages.
- Essential for a workday: Her phone and daily challenges are key tools. Challenges keep her active and drive her to grow.
- Unforgettable in a workday: Seeing her product in supermarkets is rewarding, and she feels recognized.
- Qualities a leader should have: Adaptability, flexibility, openness, and analytical skills.
- Advice: You must keep pushing toward your passion, persevere, and develop resilience.
Availability, Balance, and Respect – Yadira Enriquez, CFO of Enriquez Produce
Yadira Enriquez’s parents founded the company when she was seven years old. Since then, her purpose has been to study something that would allow her to work in the company where she remembers spending her free time. She is now the CFO of Enriquez Produce, a distribution company that imports Mexican products and dry goods.
- Mentorship: Her parents were her first mentors. They taught her that she always had to be available and to find a balance between work and family. They also taught her values and the importance of respecting and helping employees.
- Essential for a workday: A routine that starts on Sunday. That day, Yadira writes down everything she wants to achieve in the week and organizes it. Every day begins with gratitude, a habit of arriving at the office with a positive mindset.
- Unforgettable in a workday: She works with her siblings and gets through the day as a team.
- Qualities a leader should have: Cooperative mindset, agility, trust in the team, delegating, and managing risks.
- Advice: Trust in your ability, seek mentors and ask for their guidance, pursue continuing education, and create professional connections.