How do you define success? The answer and ingredients are as unique as the women profiled on the pages within The Packer's 15th annual Women in Produce issue, honoring eight industry leaders playing pivotal roles in the success of their own organizations as well as supporting the future of agriculture, embracing crazy big ideas, having a positive impact and lifting up farmers and the fresh produce industry as a whole.
This year's honorees are moving the industry forward and inspiring future generations to do the same.
Julie Olivarria is the vice president of produce for Sysco Corp., Salinas, Calif., where she leads the produce category for all U.S. Broadline, Canadian, Freshpoint, Specialty and Sygma companies.
Olivarria was appointed to this role in March 2019. Before that, she held several leadership positions within Sysco, including senior director, director, sales manager and senior merchandiser, all within the produce category.
Prior to Olivarria's tenure at Sysco, which began in 1999, she worked as a sales associate for a produce shipper in Salinas. In addition to her responsibilities at Sysco, Olivarria serves on the board of the International Fresh Produce Association.
The Packer: Can you tell me about how you arrived at where you are in your career today?
Olivarria: In 1992 I accepted an entry-level role for a grower-shipper in Salinas. I had the opportunity to grow through the produce industry's evolution, as my own career would follow a similar path.
I joined Sysco in 1999, and it's been a great place to grow my career. I've been able to experience many different roles from purchasing to merchandising to systems development to various leadership positions throughout my time at Sysco. Working my way up through the organization has helped me have a much broader perspective of the business.
How did your roles at Sysco contribute to a broader perspective of the business?
When I started at Sysco, I had a good understanding of the grower-shipper side of the business. Coming to Sysco taught me about true partnership. One entity is not more important than the other. Both supplier and distributor have equal responsibilities for providing safe, quality products and the very best customer experience.
Who has inspired you in your career?
Throughout my career I have had the opportunity to learn from and work beside many great mentors. Numerous people at every stage in my career have been incredibly influential — far too many to name. I am most inspired by those who have not been afraid to innovate and blaze their own trail, but I would hate to single anyone out.
Could you highlight a mentor, what role they played and what impact they had on you?
I had the incredible opportunity to work with Mike Hansen for a few years and he taught me some of the most valuable lessons about leading people. Mike approached everyone with genuinely wanting to help them be successful in their role or career. When you use that as your guiding principle, it makes leadership rewarding.
Is there one professional accomplishment of which you are most proud?
Raising two amazing children while balancing a successful career is my greatest accomplishment. As an example for my daughter and all the other girls who will hopefully surpass this, I am extremely proud to be the first female vice president of produce for Sysco. First, but certainly not the last! The world is yours to shape, you can make wonderful things out of it!
What advice would you give to young women aspiring to achieve leadership roles in the produce industry or any other field?
Do not be married to your job description. Some of the very best opportunities I've been given were to take on responsibilities outside of my role. I viewed them all as a chance to learn more about different areas of the business, and I grew leaps and bounds by doing it. It not only gives you an opportunity to learn, it gives leadership an opportunity to see what you are capable of.
What are some of the most important lessons you've learned in your career so far?
Be courageous, trust in yourself, take chances and don't ever forget to mentor along the way.
What steps do you believe the fresh produce industry can take to better support and promote women in leadership roles?
I would love to see more networking opportunities focused on women in the industry and their development. Many young women are trying to make connections and seek mentorship, and I would love to see an avenue for it that is either no or low cost to the individuals and inclusive of all levels.
More of The Packer's 2024 Women in Produce honorees:
- Frances Dillard, vice president of brand and product marketing, Driscoll's.
- April Flowers, marketing director, Lone Star Citrus Growers.
- Cynthia Haskins, president and CEO, New York Apple Association.
- Sandi Kronick, CEO and co-founder, Happy Dirt.
- Christine Moseley, founder and CEO, Full Harvest.
- Tara Murray, vice president of marketing, Fresh Innovations/Yo Quiero Brands.
- Jen Velasquez, vice president marketing, Full Tilt Marketing.
Top row, from left: Frances Dillard, April Flowers, Cynthia Haskins and Sandi Kronick; bottom row, from left: Christine Moseley, Tara Murray, Julie Olivarria and Jen Velasquez. (Design: Tasha Fabela-Jonas)