Highlights from the third annual Western Growers Women Leadership Retreat
Highlights from the third annual Western Growers Women Leadership Retreat
The Western Growers Women Program marked its third annual Leadership Retreat in Rancho Mirage, CA, bringing together 35 women for an experience centered around growth, connection and leadership.
Despite an unusual heat wave and soaring desert temperatures, attendees fully embraced the opportunity to step away from their daily responsibilities and focus on personal and professional growth. As in previous years, the retreat created a unique space to connect with other women in the agriculture industry. More than half of the women were first-time participants at an in-person WGW event. While I personally love to see returning women as many have become great friends, it is equally exciting to welcome new faces.
One aspect that makes each WGW event special is the presence of program graduates who choose to return year after year because of the value they have found in it. It is always inspiring to see the newcomers interact with our alumni and hear the great conversations that come along with it. While a group of 35 may seem large, the shared industry background fosters an environment where genuine and meaningful conversations are able to develop.
Each year, I strive to create an agenda that balances leadership development, personal reflection, teamwork and a little bit of fun. A standout moment of this year’s retreat was our Welcome Dinner, which featured California Secretary of Agriculture Karen Ross. Secretary Ross shared her personal journey from growing up in Nebraska to becoming one of the most influential women in agriculture. She offered an honest and motivating perspective about never imagining she would end up in the agriculture industry and how unpredictable one’s career path can be. Her story resonated with the attendees as many are navigating their own leadership journeys.
Workshops throughout the retreat provided valuable personal and practical tools from various speakers. Teresa McQueen, Corporate Council at Western Growers, opened with a dynamic icebreaker focused on AI in the ag industry. Tina Huff led a session on leadership mindset and effective communication. Her workshop encouraged attendees to better understand how they show up as leaders and how to navigate different team dynamics. Karen Timmins, senior vice president of HR at Western Growers, facilitated a thought-provoking workshop on confidence, personal value and strengthening one’s professional presence.
A special highlight was renowned speaker and author, Jim Ferrell, who led a full-day workshop based on his book, "You and We: A Relational Rethinking of Work, Life, and Leadership." His session emphasized the importance of balancing individuality with social connections. Through various activities, he demonstrated how personal growth is shared by relations, empathy and community; and how a healthy society depends on all three.
Attendees also enjoyed a farm tour of Hadley Date Gardens led by owner and Western Growers Board Director Albert Keck and his son, Paul. The group learned about the unique process of how dates are cultivated, harvested and transformed into various products.
Of course, the retreat wouldn’t be complete without a bit of fun. On the final night, the group made the 10-minute, 6,000-foot ascent on the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway for dinner at the top. As someone who’s not exactly a fan of heights, it ended up being a surprisingly memorable bonding experience, especially with fellow non-height lovers. The slightly nerve-wracking ride was well worth it for the incredible desert views and a delicious meal.
Ultimately, the retreat was more than just various workshops, it was an opportunity for the attendees to build confidence, strengthen their community and leave with actionable plans to lead their teams more effectively.
This year’s event demonstrated the continued commitment of Western Growers member companies investing in women leaders. The strong and diverse turnout renewed my passion for growing this program for new and returning participants. As the program continues to evolve, the WGW Program continues to be a powerful example of the importance of empowering women in the agriculture industry.
