When Amanda Fryar reflects on her 25-year career in the meat industry, she acknowledges it has been both incredibly rewarding and challenging. She gravitated toward food safety early on because it aligned with her degree but has found purpose in her work where she and her team make a difference for people around the world daily.

Working through challenges and looking toward the future have kept Monica on a leadership path. A positive outlook is key to her success, Monica sees nothing but great things ahead. She has experienced the presence of women in the meat industry on a steady rise and is excited to hear their stories and learn from their expertise. Being open to new people and experiences keep her outlook fresh and allows her to have a continuous improvement mindset.

It was a full-circle moment for Dr. Heather Fowler, when she returned to her alma mater, the School of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, in May 2022 to deliver the commencement speech. Standing before the next generation of veterinarians, she shared her journey, from sitting in their seat as a new grad, to where she is now, serving as the Director of Producer and Public Health for the National Pork Board.

The journey of a woman in the meat industry is often filled with both challenges and opportunities. For Chevise Thomas, her path has not been linear but rather a journey of self-discovery, resilience and mentorship. Today, Chevise serves as the Director of Food Safety and Quality Assurance at FPL Food where she is responsible for regulatory compliance across three facilities. She provides strategic leadership to uphold product integrity and ensure compliance. Beyond her technical expertise, she advocates for women in the workplace, continually pushing for greater inclusivity and diversity.