The Women in Snacks Summit is part of SNAC’s broader WinS initiative, which establishes a network to champion leadership development and advancement for female professionals in the snack industry. Research indicates that companies that inherit a culture with gender diversity on executive teams were 21% more likely to outperform on profitability and likely to have higher financial performance. The WinS initiative embraces these indicators and encourages snack industry allies, men and women, to develop pools of top talent and programs for the highest positions regardless of their gender, ethnicity, or cultural background.
Additionally, WinS reinforces businesses to provide more role models, sponsors, and transitional support as candidates enter the top levels at their companies. The Summit provides resources for men and women professionals to overcome obstacles to advance in the snack industry through interactive workshops, education sessions, networking, and more.
Women in Snacks and Industry Champions Gather for Second Annual WinS Summit
Now in its second year, the Women in Snacks (WinS) Summit brought together over 30 industry professionals in Washington, D.C., following the Legislative Summit. Designed to advance careers and elevate female leadership in snacking, the event featured a lively networking evening and a day of bold, insightful sessions on leadership, wellness, self-advocacy, and rewriting the rules for success.
HIGHLIGHTS
SNAC CEO Christine Cochran sat down with Sarah Hurwitz, former Chief Speechwriter for First Lady Michelle Obama, for a compelling conversation on finding your most authentic and influential voice as a woman leader. Drawing from her experience at the highest levels of politics and public communication, Hurwitz shared insights on crafting messages that resonate, leading with purpose, and embracing your unique voice to inspire real impact.
Moderated by Maggie Sommers Gentile of Food Directions LLC, this thoughtful discussion explored the intersection of personal and professional responsibilities in the food industry. Panelists Dulcinea Freymoyer (Reading Bakery Systems), Cindy Kuester (Snak King Corporation), and Sarah Shebasta (Shearer’s Foods) reflected on the evolving scrutiny of packaged foods and the unique roles women play as industry leaders, caregivers, and consumers.
SNAC CEO Christine Cochran held a candid conversation with Jolie Weber, CEO of Xochitl, exploring the realities, challenges, and victories of women rising through the ranks of the snack industry. Speakers shared personal stories of resilience, lessons learned on the path to leadership, and strategies for creating more inclusive workplaces. The session offered honest insights and practical takeaways for supporting the next generation of female leaders in snacking.
Led by Heather Wiser Soubra of Wiser Way Coaching, this hands-on workshop gave attendees the tools to confidently advocate for themselves in both professional and personal settings. Through interactive exercises and real-life scenarios, participants explored their strengths, practiced persuasive communication, and gained strategies for speaking up with clarity and impact.
