Mayda Sotomayor-Kirk, CEO of Florida-based Seald Sweet International, will be the guest speaker at the United Fresh Produce Association’s annual Reception ‘Honoring Women in Produce’ on 2 May, at its 2011 show in New Orleans.
Held in conjunction with United Fresh’s annual convention and expo, the reception recognises the contributions of all women working in the produce industry, and selects one individual to share their personal experience of service.
The featured speaker is selected from nominations submitted by United Fresh members across the industry and reviewed by a committee of her peers, including honourees from the past 15 years.
“From entry level to the corner office, Mayda’s career is proof positive that hard work and savvy business skills are rewarded in our industry,” said United Fresh President and CEO Tom Stenzel.
“And since assuming the role of CEO, Mayda has played a critical role in the international growth of Seald Sweet within the citrus category, and its diversification into other areas like deciduous and tropical fruits.
“Self-made, roll-up-your-sleeves stories like Mayda’s are the cornerstones of so many produce businesses, and a fantastic leadership example for the next generation of produce leaders, both male and female.”
Ms Sotomayor-Kirk emigrated from her native Havana, Cuba, with her family when she was just three years old.
After discovering a passion for the world of international produce, she took an entry-level sales position with Florida-based Great American Farms, eventually working her way up to director of imports.
In 2000, Ms Sotomayor-Kirk accepted the same position at Seald Sweet and helped to develop and lead the company’s imports programme.
She became the company’s first female senior vice-president in 2004, and in 2007, Ms Sotomayor-Kirk became the first female CEO in the company’s 100-year history.
“I am so humbled and honored to speak at this year’s Reception Honoring Women in Produce,” said Ms Sotomayor-Kirk.
“So much of what drives me in the produce industry is the building of relationships. It has been at the core of my own success, and at the core of our success as a company at Seald Sweet. In that same vein, the annual United show is so effective at fostering those relationships, and I am very happy to be a part of that this year.”
Ms Sotomayor-Kirk has succeeded in expanding her company’s international network and programmes, helping to position Seald Sweet as a global leader in the citrus category, and continuing to foster ties with the group’s Belgium-based parent company, Univeg.
Past honourees include:
Tonya Antle, Tanimura & Antle
Frieda Caplan, Frieda’s
Margaret D’Arrigo, D’Arrigo Brothers of California
Jan DeLyser, California Avocado Commission
Jan Fleming, Strube Celery & Vegetable Company
Janice Honigberg, Sun Belle
Lorri Koster, Mann Packing Company
Kathleen Nave, California Table Grape Commission
Dr. Martha Rhodes-Roberts, University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences
Steffanie Smith, River Point Farms
Heather Shavey, Costco Wholesale
Rosemary Talley, Talley Farms
Jenney Tenney, The Kroger Company
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