MCLEAN, VA. –The Food Processing Suppliers Association (FPSA) and the Women’s Alliance Network (WAN) announced that the application period for the Red Circle Awards is now open.

The Red Circle Honors Program and WAN will recognize women from the food and beverage industry in various categories for their achievements, in addition to one FPSA member company for promoting workplace gender balance.

“We are excited to once again be hosting the Red Circle Honors to recognize the incredible work that women are engaging in and perhaps even more importantly, the results they bring to the food and beverage industry,” said Cara Godack, chair of FPSA’s Women’s Alliance Network and director of business development at Rome Grinding Solutions. “This dynamic industry continues to move unceasingly fast and as such, having professionals who are creative, smart, and dedicated, is critical to our success.”

The alliance is seeking nominations in the following categories:

 

  • Rising Star – Awarded to women with less than five years of experience who have made a significant impact with their professional achievements and personal influence in the food and beverage industry.

 

  • Women who have introduced game-changing innovations or inspiring ideas to their company within the past 18 months including new products, technology, programs, systems, or processes. 

 

  • The Career Excellence, Red Circle honor, is presented to a woman who is dedicated to the food and beverage industry and has taken a proactive approach not only to her personal and professional development, but also to the development of other women in the industry.

 

 

  • The Male Ally Red Circle honor recognizes a male colleague who actively supports, promotes, and develops the careers of other genders in the workforce. 

The deadline for Red Circle Honor submissions is Aug. 1 and can be completed on the linked pages above. Winners of the Red Circle Honors Program will be announced at the Women’s Alliance Breakfast on Oct. 24 taking place during Process Expo.

In addition, the Women’s Alliance Network announced that Nicole Makowski, president of Makowski’s Real Sausage Co., will be the keynote speaker at the Women’s Alliance Breakfast. 

“As FPSA’s first network, the Women’s Alliance Network continues to blaze a trail that makes all member companies proud,” said David Seckman, president and chief executive officer of the FPSA. “The Alliance is tireless in addressing issues in the industry and how it supports the careers of women in the food and beverage industry. As we see more women entering this industry, the Women’s Alliance is a crucial resource for both expanding the individual’s network and cultivating their professional development.”