Southern Roots is the Southeast Produce Council's leadership program for women in produce with a strong commitment to giving back to the community and enriching women's lives in this industry and beyond. The program's mission is to cultivate genuine relationships by equipping, elevating, and inspiring women in the produce industry through meaningful experiences. Leading up to and during Southern Exposure 2024, the Southern Roots committee teamed up to support the Tampa area-based organization CASA Pinellas, which since 1977 has been a certified domestic violence center offering safety, empowerment, and prevention programs to end domestic violence.
Before Southern Exposure, Southern Roots committee members coordinated with CASA Pinellas to provide a list of the most crucial items needed by their community which was then compiled into a custom wish list through Amazon. The committee then reached out to Southern Roots participants, requesting that they join together as women in the industry to support women beyond by each donating a single item from the provided list. Additionally, SEPC made a generous offer to match 100 percent of donations through the Amazon wish list in a monetary contribution directly to CASA Pinellas.
The Southern Roots committee teamed up to support the Tampa area-based organization CASA Pinellas.
Through the generous response by Southern Roots members, CASA Pinellas received 57 gifted items/bundles of items in addition to SEPC's matching donation of $1,139.01. "We want to express our sincere appreciation for your gift. Through your support of CASA, you are supporting an organization committed to speaking out against domestic violence and helping survivors rebuild their lives. We are so grateful for your generosity," said Lariana Forsythe, CEO of CASA Pinellas
Southern Roots committee members were delighted by the response to their new initiative which will evolve through upcoming opportunities.
"We are privileged to back such an essential cause and pledge to create a positive impact for women in our field and our surrounding communities. Our heartfelt appreciation goes out to all who contributed. The solidarity within our industry and the eagerness to assist those in need truly exemplify its greatness," said Kim Andreason, Southern Roots Committee Chair, Jason's Deli.
The vision of Southern Roots is to develop a dynamic culture where every woman feels inspired, and empowered, and makes a lasting impact to strengthen our industry. Southern Roots is held at both Southern Exposure and Southern Innovations each year. Women in produce are encouraged to add the Southern Roots Women's Luncheon to their sessions when registering to attend Southern Innovations, September 12-14, 2024 in Nashville, Tennessee.
For more information:
Anna Burch
Southeast Produce Council Inc.
Tel.: +1 (877) 720-SPEC
[email protected]
https://seproducecouncil.com/