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. Dr. 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, SVP 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.
21 Western Grower & Shipper | www.wga.com April – June 2026
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