The Women Grocers of America Symposium has always been a highlight of our industry’s (and my personal) calendar, but this year’s gathering carried a special energy.
Over the course of two days at the Atlanta headquarters of the Coca-Cola Co., a premier sponsor of WGA, it became clear that the independent grocery industry is not only rich with talent but also poised for an exciting future, thanks in large part to the women who are stepping forward as industry leaders and trailblazers. 
The 2025 program combined networking, educational sessions and workshops designed to address the professional and personal dimensions of leadership. Two inspiring keynotes from Kelly Zehfuss, an expert in communications and marketing, led to meaningful conversations about personal storytelling and how attendees could own their voice and deliver messages to inspire action.
This vital dialogue was balanced with opportunities for attendees to expand their professional networks with industry leaders from across the nation, creating an atmosphere that was practical and inspiring.
But what stood out most to me throughout this year’s symposium was the sense of community. Store owners, young professionals and experienced executives came together with a common purpose – to shape the future of women in the grocery industry.
Keynotes and breakout sessions went beyond basic information sharing, instead equipping participants with actionable frameworks they could use right away.
Whether it was implementing new approaches to decision-making, sharpening communication skills or addressing operational and workforce challenges, the symposium’s content was intentionally designed to create lasting impact.
Building strong leadership pipelines is crucial to the resilience of independent supermarkets, and the symposium demonstrated how WGA is preparing the next generation of women in the grocery industry to not only to succeed but thrive.
Our industry is constantly evolving with new product trends, shifting supply chains and changing customer expectations and tastes. The symposium reinforced the idea that female grocers are not just adapting to those changes; they are helping shape the path forward. That perspective is vital if independents are to remain competitive and deeply connected to the communities they serve.
The women who gathered in Atlanta are making a difference in their stores, companies and communities, and their influence will only grow. They represent both the present and the future of independent grocery stores.
Exemplifying strength through her leadership is WGA Board President Kristen Popp, who serves as EVP of Woodman’s Food Market. Kristen has been a steadfast advocate for women in the independent supermarket industry.
As her term concludes at the end of the year, I’d like to recognize her for the tireless work she has done to help advance the mission of WGA and her colleagues in the industry.
A catalyst for leadership, a hub for innovation and a reminder of what makes our industry unique, the WGA Symposium was more than just another conference. Independent grocers succeed because of their commitment to people and communities, and the symposium reflected that same spirit of service and dedication.
As we look ahead, many challenges remain for independent grocers. To prosper, we must continue to provide the resources, mentorship and recognition that allow female leaders to grow and succeed. When women in grocery rise, our entire industry rises with them.
I encourage everyone to explore and support the work of WGA, to champion female leaders in your own companies and to make plans to be part of next year’s symposium.
Together, we can ensure that the momentum built this year continues to grow, creating lasting opportunities for women and strengthening the independent grocery industry for generations to come.
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