Panel speaking at conference

Join us on October 6-7th, 2024 as we celebrate the power of diversity and inclusion within the food and agriculture sector. Set against the backdrop of the InterContinental, Chicago you’ll uncover how these essential values, combined with innovation, are revolutionizing your industry.

InterContinental Magnificent Mile, Chicago

October 6-7, 2024

WFA: Americas Speakers

Ertharin Cousin
Ertharin Cousin
Former Executive Director of World Food Program
United Nations
Linda M Femling
Linda M Femling
Director Food Programs – The Americas
Google
Camille Batitse
Camille Batitse
Former Senior Vice President, Global Supply Chain and Procurement
ADM
Elzandi Oosthuizen
Elzandi Oosthuizen
SVP, Crop Technology Corn, Soy & Cotton Crop Science Division
Bayer
Denitresse Ferrell
Denitresse Ferrell
Founder & CEO
Culture Refinery
Kalica Moura

Kalica Moura is the Senior Director of Produce Sourcing, leading Walmart’s sourcing office in Florida. Her office is one of the seven that procure fruits and vegetables for the 4,500+ Walmart US stores. Kalica has been with Walmart over 14 years spanning Product Development and Sourcing. Before leading sourcing efforts in Florida, Kalica spent the past decade growing Walmart sourcing operations across 14 countries, building the foundation, and expanding efforts in international markets before moving to support the US business in 2022. Born and raised in Brazil, and spending time in cultures around the world, Kalica knows the value in building diverse teams and inclusive work environments and has a passion to help associates reach their full potential.

Kalica Moura
Senior Director, Produce Sourcing
Walmart
Ashley Quaintance

Ashley Quaintance is a seasoned business strategist and general manager in the
Food & Beverage industry, specializing in consumer packaged goods. She is driven by
a commitment to excellence and takes pride in delivering top-tier products and
services. As a business leader, Ashley is dedicated to achieving robust results for
shareholders while fostering a workplace culture that is innovative, collaborative, and
rewarding.

Beyond her core responsibilities, Ashley is passionate about mentorship and career
development. She serves as a mentor and actively contributes to her company's
culture by sitting on the corporate committees for Diversity & Inclusion and Women in
the Workplace.

Ashley’s career began in pharmaceutical sales before transitioning to consumer
packaged goods. She held roles of increasing responsibility at SC Johnson and
Kimberly-Clark, where she developed deep industry knowledge and forged strong
customer relationships. Since joining Treehouse Foods in October 2017, Ashley has
led successful sales teams, managing key accounts such as Walmart, Sam’s Club,
Aldi, and Dollar General.

Ashley holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Biological Sciences from the University
of Wisconsin-Parkside and an Executive MBA from the University of Arkansas. She
currently resides in the Chicago suburbs with her husband and son.

Ashley Quaintance
Vice President General Manager
TreeHouse Foods
Cortney Harding
Cortney Harding
Head of Immersive Content
Virti
Husein Kitabwalla

Husein Kitabwalla is CEO of Food Transformation and Tech & Services, North America,
for Sodexo. As CEO of Food Transformation, he is responsible for carrying out
Sodexo’s strategy for expanding our food services including food platform, convenience,
digital & innovation, finance, M&A, marketing, and strategy. As CEO of Tech &
Services, he is responsible for a portfolio of activities including operational efficiency
and growth, IT, facilities management services, foodservice program development,
safety and supply management.

Husein is a member of the North America Regional Leadership Committee for Sodexo,
the global leader in quality-of-life services. Operating in 64 countries, Sodexo’s 420,000
employees serve 100 million consumers each day through On-site Services, Benefits
and Rewards Services, and Personal and Home Services. Sodexo is committed to
supporting diversity and inclusion and safety, while upholding the highest standards of
corporate responsibility and ethical business conduct.

Husein has a proven executive management track record and over 20 years of
experience leading highly engaged teams that have developed and implemented award
winning branded solutions and marketing strategies to drive Sodexo’s performance.
Prior to his current position, he was the Global Head of Marketing for Sodexo’s
Corporate Services segment, where he was responsible for creating and ensuring the
execution of the company’s marketing vision. Before that, he established and led a
global pricing team, responsible for coordinating Sodexo’s research, development, and
deployment of consumer pricing.

Previously, he led the industry-acclaimed Retail Brand Group, Sodexo’s strategic
branding company dedicated to creating comprehensive retail solutions. With an award-winning portfolio of offers, Mr. Kitabwalla led branding, strategy, marketing, operations, culinary and finance. He began his career at Disneyland in Anaheim, CA, where he was responsible for the operations of six restaurants.

Husein Kitabwalla CEO, Food Transformation and Tech & Services, North America
He was named a “Mover and Shaper” in Restaurants & Institutions magazine as well as
a national Finalist for the 2009 National Association Faces of Diversity Award. Husein
serves on multiple advisory boards including the Conference Board, Founding Member
of Fast Casual Executive Alliance and Technomics.

He earned his BS degree from The College of Wooster, Wooster, OH.

Husein Kitabwalla
CEO, Food Transformation and Tech & Services, North America
Sodexo
Tosin Jack
Tosin Jack
Director Market Reporting
Expana
Orla McAleer
Orla McAleer
Chief Culture Officer
Alltech
Avery Krempp

Avery is an Organizational Development Specialist on the Corporate Human Resources team at Farbest Foods, Inc. She specializes in the scientific study of the workplace—focusing on the overall employee experience by formulating data-driven initiatives around engagement, satisfaction, and retention, all with a passion for keeping People & Talent First. Prior to Farbest, Avery completed her Master of Arts in Industrial-Organizational Psychology at Xavier University in 2019 and her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology at Butler University in 2017. She resides in her hometown of Jasper, Indiana, with her husband Ted.

Avery Krempp
Organizational Development Specialist
Farbest Foods
Jamie Chadwick
Jamie Chadwick
Managing Editor Protein
Expana
Ebony Webber

Ebony is the Chief Operating Officer at MANRRS (Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources and Related Sciences), where she provides support to the National Executive Committee, Advisory Board and oversight and management of Strategic Partnerships. Hailing from a small, rural community, Ebony found interest in developing students and providing resources and opportunities to increase access to academic and career related programs in underserved communities. By cultivating innovative programs and strategic partnerships, Ebony have been able to assist underrepresented students and professionals in recognizing and maximizing their full potential. Many of her responsibilities support her passion for advocating for inclusion and diversity and developing leaders, organizations and communities to feed and clothe the next generation.

Graduating at the top of the Computer Science and Mathematics Department, Ebony received her Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science from Stillman College and also holds a certification in Technology Management and a Master’s degree in Business Administration, both from the University of Phoenix. Ms. Webber is an alum of the United Way of Greater Atlanta Volunteer Involvement Program, National Urban League’s Emerging Leaders Cohort, and the Georgia Center for Nonprofits High Potential Diverse Leaders Cohort. She is also a member of the National Black MBA Association and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated.

Ebony Webber
Chief Executive Officer
MANRRS

WFA Survey

Women in Food and Agriculture is back with our industry-wide survey to gather real-world insights into the professional landscape for women in food and ag. 

Inclusion and diversity in the workforce are essential in shaping a sustainable future. Previous survey results indicate there is a lot to be positive about when considering gender diversity. Now, approaching 2 years of a world consumed by the pandemic, we want to know if this has impacted gender equality? Has our work/life balance been affected? Is the increased focus on DEI programs making a difference? Get involved and help us find out!  

Topics shaping the future

Hear insights on leadership strategies, communication skills, resilience, inclusive leadership & workplace adaptation.

The ideal location for food and agriculture

Known for its rich history as a major hub in the meatpacking and food industry, Chicago serves as the perfect backdrop for WFA: Americas