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# Junior Board of Directors
## Our Junior Board of Directors
WISE started a junior board of directors in 2021 to further its mission of increased diversity and inclusion in store brands and to provide leadership opportunities to empower our partners and members. It was created to be a diverse representation of our industry in background, skill set, gender, and ethnicity with the focus on connecting to the next generation of the store brand industry.
Click on the headshots for more information on each of our board members.
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#### Angela Atamian
HR Manager
Angela joined John B. Sanfilippo & Son in January 2019 as the Office Manager and in 2022 changed careers within the organization to Human Resources. Prior to JBSS, Angela managed Food Manufacturing Operations within smaller privately held companies. She loves procedures and thrives on stepping into something new and applying structure. Angela is a graduate of Northern Illinois University with a degree in Marketing. In her spare time, she enjoys family time the most with her husband and two kids. “I am excited to be continuing my membership on the WISE Jr. Board for another term. I look forward to new members, increased Jr Board involvement, and future personal growth opportunities within the organization."
##### Angela Atamian
John B. Sanfilippo & Son
Professional Development Committee
#### Navi Bola
Senior Product Development Manager, Albertsons
Navi joined Albertsons Companies in 2018 as Product Developer for Frozen foods and currently oversees the Own Brands PD team for temperature controlled categories. Originally from India where she gained her education - Master's degree in Food Science and Nutrition, she now resides in the vibrant Bay area of California with her husband and two kids, aged 8 and 3. Being a food scientist at heart, she loves bringing new items to shelves in the private label space with Albertsons. She thrives on problem solving and streamlining processes, finding joy in bringing order to chaos. Beyond her professional endeavors, Navi is deeply committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB). She actively participates in various Associate Resource Groups (ARGs) at work, including the Women of Color Alliance and the Asian Network, where she advocates for representation and empowerment.
##### Navi Bola
Albertsons
Partner Liaison Committee
#### Mayra Buenrostro
Business Manager, Daymon
I’ve been with Daymon since 2015 starting off as customer service rep. Through vested interest in the products and categories, I worked my way into business and product management. I currently hold the position of Business Manager at Daymon where my key focus is collaborating with retailer customers and key supplier partners to manage and expand their private brand program. I thrive off building strong, lasting relationships to build and execute plans into tangible results.
I attended Southern Illinois University and obtained a bachelor's degree in Business Management.
I enjoy entertaining friends, planning events, travelling, and exploring all that there is in my hometown of Chicago.
##### Mayra Buenrostro
Daymon
Special Projects
#### Keri Cardenas
Senior Sourcing Leader, Supplements
Keri Cardenas is the Senior Sourcing Leader of Supplements at Whole Foods Market for the Exclusive Brands team. In her current position, Keri is responsible for launching new products, managing costs, and resources across a vast supplier network. Aside from her role in sourcing, she also serves on the Inclusive Products Sub Committee, Whole Foods Market Culture Champions and is the Exclusive Brands Training Captain. She received her bachelor’s degree in Sociology and considers herself a lifelong student with interests in intersectionality and women’s history. Her past times include turning her yard into a native plant and pollinator habitat, practicing the drums, and spending time with her family.
##### Keri Cardenas
Whole Foods Market
#### Bailey Furtado
Sr. Rotational Program Specialist - Sourcing, Topco Associates
Born and Raised in Central California with a strong agriculture background. Graduated from California State University, Fresno in 2021 with an Bachelors in Agriculture Business. Started with Topco in the summer of 2019 with my first Produce Procurement Internship, then continued to complete two more internships with Topco; another Produce Procurement Internship as well as a Category Management Internship. Upon graduating, moved to the Chicago area and joined the Rotational Program with Topco, which is a 2 year developmental program that gives an opportunity to work in a total of 6 departments. The departments in this program include; Member Services, Master Data, Demand Planning, Logistics, Sourcing and Category Insights. Having almost completed 5/6 rotations, I have been able to get diverse exposures and insights to the grocery industry which I hope to aid the WISE Junior Board.
##### Bailey Furtado
Topco Associates
Recruitment Committee
#### Elysia Handy
Customer Business Manager, Treehouse Foods
Elysia Handy is a Customer Business Manager at TreeHouse Foods, where she manages the entire THS private brands portfolio for Whole Foods and Winco. She was previous with branded companies like Newell Brands, Wholesome Sweeteners, and Dyno LLC (Singer). She graduated from the University of Texas at Austin in 2005. She currently lives in Austin, TX with her husband and three children. She enjoys traveling, listening to audible books, baking and watching her daughters play softball and soccer.
##### Elysia Handy
TreeHouse Foods
Marketing & Communications Committee
#### Alexis Herbert
Alexis Herbert is a Business Manager at Daymon, supporting the Ahold Delhaize account for nearly 3 years. Alexis started with Daymon after graduating from Western Michigan University’s Food & Consumer Packed Goods Marketing program in 2019. In her role, her responsibilities include supporting suppliers and retailers in various ways such as developing new private brand programs, closing distribution voids, searching for innovation and white space opportunities and more. She has a passion for exploring new food and consumer trends. In her spare time, she loves travelling to new cities and countries, being active and playing sports, cooking, listening to True Crime podcasts and spending time with friends and family. She is very passionate about promoting diversity and she is truly honored to be a part of the WISE Junior Board.
##### Alexis Herbert
#### Jana Lynch
Key Account Manager, Schreiber Foods
Jana Lynch is a dynamic professional with a passion for driving success in the food industry. Currently serving as a Key Account Manager for Schreiber Foods, Jana thrives on building strong relationships and delivering results. Jana proudly hails from her hometown of San Jose, CA but enjoys residing in beautiful Northwest Arkansas. After completing her bachelor’s degree at the University of Missouri, Jana went on to earn an MBA at the Hankamer School of Business at Baylor University. Outside of work, Jana spends much of her free time hiking and camping. A perpetual seeker of knowledge, Jana delights in learning fun facts and collecting inspirational quotes which proves helpful during trivia nights with friends.
##### Jana Lynch
Schreiber Foods
#### Dulce Mireles
Senior Product Developer, Whole Foods Market
Dulce is a life-long knowledge seeker. Born & having spent most of her childhood in Mexico with family, she prides herself in cooking, baking & eating traditional Mexican culinary delights. She is a proud Aggie Food Scientist, Chemist, & Coffee Expert, and an even prouder Whole Foods Market Product Developer supporting Breakfast Shelf Stable & Refrigerated Dairy Exclusive Brands growth & innovation. “K\*ll ‘em with Kindness” is her life motto. Music & Nature are her best friends. Dulce is ecstatic to share this exciting WISE Jr BOD chapter with amazing individuals!
##### Dulce Mirales
#### Kyle Zofinski
Sourcing Analyst, Topco
I’m a Sourcing Analyst at Topco Associates managing a variety of general merchandise categories such as stationery, kitchen and cake decorating. In June 2022, I was the first graduate of Topco’s 2-year rotational program completing rotations throughout 6 different departments. Within this rotational program, I was able to learn the functional roles and processes as well as completing specialized projects in each department. I graduated from DePaul University with a Bachelor of Science in Marketing with a concentration in Honors Integrated Marketing Education. Through the IME honors program, I got to work with brands such as Kellogg’s, Barilla Group, and Romance Kosugi in detailed consulting projects. In my free time, I love to travel and experience new cultures. I’m a huge foodie at heart and love to cook!
##### Kyle Zofinski
Events Committee
#### About Us
Women Impacting Storebrand Excellence™ (WISE) is a non-profit professional development organization within store brands. Studies have shown that increased gender diversity in top leadership roles positively impacts business and financial performance.
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# All WISE Events
### All Events
WISE offers webinars, professional development, and online networking events throughout the year. Here you will find registration for upcoming events and more information on our event programs, as well as important industry events to consider attending.
November 14 | 
November 17 | \*SOLD OUT\* 
November 17-19 | 
November 18 | 
December 18 | 
December 19 | 
#### WISE Event Programs
View the most recent WISE Webinar
Learn more about WISE Connect
# Annual Meeting
##### Thursday, November 14, 2024
We are excited to bring you what promises to be another insightful and uplifting Annual Meeting!
Join us for a virtual fireside chat with Marie Quintana as she offers a compelling exploration of resilience, fresh starts, and authenticity. Drawing from personal hardships, Marie will illustrate how challenges can serve as pivotal moments for growth and self assurance, shaping both personal and organizational legacies.
Of course, no WISE annual meeting would have been complete without recognizing our talented Top Women in Store Brands Award winners. These amazing women were nominated by their peers and truly helped shape the private brands industry.
The WISE Board of Directors and Annual Meeting sponsors and volunteers look forward to seeing you at this year’s Annual Meeting in November! Stay tuned for more details!
#### THANK YOU TO OUR EVENT SPONSORS!
##### More About the Annual Meeting
The WISE Annual Meeting, held each November, has historically coincided with the opening day of the Private Label Manufacturers Association’s (PLMA) US Private Label Trade Show. Since the inception of the organization in 2013, each year’s event features a Keynote speaker focusing on diversity, leadership and/or the retail industry.  In addition, the WISE annual event showcases Top Women in Store Brands honorees selected for their achievements in eight categories from among the nation’s leading store brand retailers, manufacturers, brokers, and suppliers. The recognition program is co-sponsored by WISE and Deerfield, Illinois-based EnsembleIQ, publishers of Store Brands magazine.
##### Top Women in Store Brands (TWISB)
Store Brands magazine and Women Impacting Storebrand Excellence™ (WISE) created, in 2013, The Top Women in Store Brands honors to recognize women executives, in the store brand industry, who bring a passion for store brands to their day-to-day activities. The awards cover functional expertise areas (Supply Chain/Procurement, R&D/QA, Operations, HR, Sales and Marketing/Merchandising), as well as three achievement areas not linked to a specific functional expertise area (Sparkplug, Innovation and Lifetime Achievement).
To select TWISB honorees, each spring in-depth nominations from across the store brand industry are solicited. The submissions are carefully evaluated and reviewed to determine each year’s award recipients. The cross functional committee ultimately selected one honoree for each category.
TWISB Award honorees are featured, in a multi-page story within the October issue of Store Brands magazine. The TWISB Awards are presented during the WISE Annual Meeting.
# WISEConnect
**What is WISE Connect Online?**
WISE Connect is an online-video forum that enables you to meet with industry peers to discuss topics that support you professionally and personally without leaving the comfort of your home or office. Each WISE Connect session focuses on a specific topic, ranging from personal and professional growth to more specific business-related subjects. Also, we gladly entertain recommendations for discussion subjects from you.
Each session is started by an informal moderator and is limited to 10 participants so that everyone gets a chance to contribute to the conversation. Sessions are open to anyone, member or non-member, who wants to participate and are conducted using ZOOM. Sessions are not recorded to help ensure everyone’s personal privacy.
**What kind of topics will be covered?**
Topics will range from broad topics like personal and professional growth areas to more specific business related niche topics.
**Can I request a topic?**
Absolutely! We welcome any and all topics. Our goal is to host events that cover topics that are most important to the WISE community. At the end of each WISE Connect event there will be a survey where you can send your requests in. Additionally, you may always send topics to events@WISEdiversity.org.
**Why is the participation limited?**
Participation is limited in order to maintain the integrity of a small group event. Networking is most effective in smaller groups. Since this event will be done through video, we want it to be an open space for communication that doesn’t feel too crowded or distracting.
**How often will there be sessions?**
Sessions will be held on a monthly basis. There will be multiple time slots to join throughout the week for each topic.
**Do I have to be a WISE member to participate?**
No. Both WISE members and non-members are welcome to join us for these events.
**How will this help my professional development?**
WISE Connect Online allows you the opportunity to make connections and network with industry peers on a more regular basis. We understand that not everyone in our WISE community can attend in-person networking events. We wanted to create an opportunity for networking that is not limited by location or travel, and still allows for a “face-to-face” connection. In addition to the connections you will make to help your professional development, our goal is for the topics we discuss to bring you new ideas, insights and information that will help both your business and you, personally.
**Will the sessions be recorded for playback?**
Sessions will not be recorded for playback. Each event will be a safe place for open communication and flowing discussion.
**Once I’ve joined a session, how can I connect with people I talked to outside of WISE Connect?**
After the session is complete, a follow-up email will be sent to attendees which will list the names and email addresses of participants. The purpose of WISE Connect is to foster networking opportunities, so we encourage you to connect with one another post-event!
**Do I need to download a program or app to participate?**
WISE Connect Online events will take place through Zoom. You do not need a Zoom account to participate in the meeting. Once you register, there will be a link to click to join the event. Zoom does have an app you may download on your phone if you wish.
**Why are you using Zoom as your platform?**
While we do understand that some companies are putting limitations on the use of Zoom, at this time, we have found Zoom to be the best option to meet our needs. We do hope that those who have company limitations are still able to join WISE Connect events via cell phone or on a personal computer. As this program grows and evolves, we are certainly open to exploring alternative platform options.
**Can I use my cellphone or my PC to participate?**
Zoom events can be accessed via cellphone or computer. We do recommend using a computer for fluidity purposes.
#### 
Become a member of the WISE Community today.
Sign up in the footer below to join our mailing list or , and we’ll send you registration details for upcoming WISEConnect events. It’s the easiest way to stay updated on topics of interest to you.
#### About WISE
WISE was founded by women to champion the diversity and inclusion that drive profitable grown within the store brands industry, but membership is open to all who wish to share in our mission.
# Corporate Partners Benefits
## Corporate Partnership Benefits
The store brands industry manufacturers, retailers, service providers and brokers partner with WISE to drive organizational change, provide their employees a path to leadership development, and attract/retain talent to build sustainable, profitable business. Becoming a WISE corporate partner demonstrates your company’s commitment to developing race, gender, and ethnically diverse leaders in the store brand industry.
Corporate partner benefits include:
* Professional development and educational programs for your employees who are WISE members
* Networking events that facilitate strategic industry connections
* Complimentary Individual memberships and event registrations based on partnership level
* Access to the WISE membership database
* Access to the WISE Resource Center (WRC)
* Recognition of your level of support at WISE events and on the website
* Use of the WISE logo on company materials
* Access to DiversityInc. website, webinars and best practice tools
* Participation in Partner Forum
#### **Partnership Levels Available**
True to its vision of diversity in the industry, WISE offers several levels of corporate partnership. No matter what size company you are, there’s a corporate partnership level that fits you. Visit our  to see the impressive list of industry colleagues that already support WISE.
Contact WISE (membership@wisediversity.org) to discuss becoming a corporate partner