The National Grocers Association (NGA) celebrated the success of the 2025 Women Grocers of America (WGA) Symposium, held at the Coca-Cola Company Headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia, where women leaders and rising professionals from across the independent grocery sector gathered for two days of education, collaboration and networking.
“The symposium was nothing short of phenomenal – a powerful gathering dedicated to supporting women within our industry through a balance of personal and professional development and creating a space for networking and building relationships. The energy, inspiration and shared commitment to progress created an unforgettable experience,” said Kristin Popp, WGA president.
“Our partnership with Coca-Cola elevated the event to new heights, with their gracious hosting and hospitality providing the perfect backdrop for meaningful connection and growth. Together, we not only highlighted the importance of what WGA is doing to support women in the industry but also set the stage for continued collaboration and lasting impact.”
The symposium, organized by the WGA and hosted by The Coca-Cola Company, featured keynote addresses, interactive workshops and discussions designed to strengthen leadership skills, share best practices and advance opportunities for women in grocery.
“We were honored to host the Women Grocers of America Symposium and to support such an important platform for dialogue, mentorship and leadership development. At The Coca-Cola Company, we believe that empowering women leaders strengthens not only the grocery industry but the communities it serves,” said Marvin Vines, VP, industry leadership – retail, The Coca-Cola Company.
“This event was a meaningful opportunity to celebrate the incredible impact women are making across independent grocery.”
Key themes of the 2025 WGA Symposium included:
- Addressing operational and workforce challenges in today’s grocery landscape;
- Strategies for effective leadership and resilience in changing markets;
- Opportunities for growth and innovation across retail, wholesale and supplier communities; and
- Building meaningful connections to support women’s advancement throughout the independent grocery industry.
“When I first joined Women Grocers of America, it was a small but mighty network of women determined to make their voices heard. To see how much WGA has grown since then, and to now be part of a symposium that brings together such a powerful and diverse group of leaders, is truly inspiring,” said Kathy Kuzava, president of the Georgia Food Industry Association.
“This event reflects just how far we’ve come as an organization and as an industry in creating opportunities for women to lead, connect and thrive.”
Attendees left with actionable insights, new professional relationships and a renewed sense of purpose in supporting the growth and strength of the independent grocery industry.
[RELATED: Niemetscheck Named WGA’s Woman Of The Year]