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2025 WISE Experience
January 13 @ 12:00 am - January 14 @ 11:59 pm

2025 WISE Experience
Rising Together: A Call to All Bee-words!
We're reuniting all the Bosses, Bigwigs, Believers, Best Sellers, Self-Betterers, above and Beyonders, Trail Blazers, the Bold, the Boisterous, the Bonafides, Brainstormers, the Bright, the Brilliant, the Budget-conscious, the Busy, Bustling, Buzzing BEES!

Join SHFM January 13-14, 2025, at the second annual WISE Experience as we embrace Rising Together. This event is dedicated to celebrating your achievements and fostering a spirit of collaboration and empowerment. Engage with industry icons and fellow trailblazers who will share their insights, inspiring you to elevate your journey even further. Together, we will reflect on our collective growth and harness the strength of our community. This is a unique opportunity to connect with passionate leaders and support one another as we strive for personal and professional excellence. Don’t miss this incredible chance to join a network of strong, ambitious women. Let’s rise together in Wisdom, Inspiration, Support, and Excellence!
Agenda At-A-Glance
(see Full Agenda below)
Monday, January 13 |
|
1:30 p.m. | Registration |
2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. | SESSION 1: The Future YOU: Legacy Letters |
3:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. | Networking Break |
4:00 p.m. – 5:15 p.m. | SESSION 2: BEE Bold in Your Journey! |
6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. | Networking Reception at the Westin Verasa Napa |
Tuesday, January 14 |
|
8:00 a.m. | Registration |
8:30 a.m. – 9:15 a.m. | Breakfast |
9:15 a.m. – 10:15 a.m. | Keynote Helene York |
10:15 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. | Break |
10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. | SESSION 3: Women in Business: Friend or Foe |
12:15 a.m. – 1:15 p.m. | Master Class Lunch* |
1:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. | Authentically You: Mastering Mental Fitness and Confidence* |
*Additional Fee |
Hotel
Book your stay at the Westin Verasa Napa for $289 per night by calling (707) 257-1800 and referencing the SHFM WISE Experience.
Westin Verasa Napa
1314 McKinstry Street
Napa, CA 94559
Interested in sponsorship?
Download the 2025 WISE Sponsorship Program and return your completed form to Michelle Romero, Executive Vice President, at 502-574-9036 or mromero@hqtrs.com.
Thank You to Our 2025 WISE Sponsors!
365 Retail Markets
Alto-Shaam
Aramark Workplace Experience Group
BSI
The Coca-Cola Company
Compass Group
Ecolab
elite|studio e
Follett Products, LLC
Foodservice Equipment & Supplies Magazine
Guckenheimer
Hoshizaki America, Inc.
ITW Food Equipment Group
Kitchens To Go by Mobile Modular
Leanpath
MEIKO USA, Inc.
Middleby
PepsiCo
Sodexo
Structural Concepts
Transact + CBORD
Welbilt
Arriving Early?
Explore Napa Valley's rich culinary and wine scene! If you're interested in a meet up on Sunday, fill out the following form to let us know when you're arriving early.
Learn more about Napa’s best women-owned restaurants.
Visit a women-owned winery while you're in town!
Full Agenda
Monday, January 13
All events will take place at Copia unless otherwise indicated.
1:30 p.m. | Registration |
2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. |
SESSION 1: The Future YOU: Legacy Letters During this opening session, we don’t look back but look toward the future. The positive impact your life has on other people – friends, colleagues, even strangers. What do you hope to accomplish – what do you hope to face – what are you scared of – what challenges you – what do you lose sleep over - and how are YOU going to pave YOUR way? Do something now that your future self will be thankful for. Riana Mondavi will be our keynote speaker for this session, sharing her valuable insights and expertise. |
3:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. | Networking Break |
4:00 p.m. – 5:15 p.m. |
SESSION 2: BEE Bold in Your Journey! Are you ready to take charge of your career and step into the professional life you've always envisioned? In this transformative session, you’ll rediscover the path to a career that fills you with delight. Through guided reflection and practical exercises, you will:
This workshop is designed to help you break free from hesitation and align your career journey with your specific idea of success, tapping into your full potential and moving forward in a way that’s rich and meaningful. Be bold. Be brave. Be you. |
6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. |
Networking Reception Note: The event will take place at the Westin Verasa Napa. Westin Verasa Napa |
Tuesday, January 14
8:00 a.m. | Registration |
8:30 a.m. – 9:15 a.m. | Breakfast |
9:15 a.m. – 10:15 a.m. | Keynote Helene York Helene York, Author, Teacher, Supply Chain Professional |
10:15 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. | Break |
10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. |
SESSION 3: Women in Business: Friend or Foe This empowering discussion on women in business, will delve into the complex dynamics of leadership, collaboration and competition. This panel brings together a diverse group of accomplished women who will share their experiences navigating the business world, especially as they interact with other women. Are we allies, lifting each other up, or are we competitors, constantly vying for the same limited spaces? Together, we will explore the nuanced relationships that shape our professional journeys, from friendship to rivalry, and discuss how we can create stronger, more supportive networks while also addressing the challenges we face as women in leadership. Let’s uncover the truth behind the “friend or foe” mentality and empower one another to rise in our careers and move forward together. |
12:15 a.m. – 1:15 p.m. | Master Class Lunch* Attend this networking lunch and connect with like-minded professionals in a relaxed atmosphere. |
1:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. |
Authentically You: Mastering Mental Fitness and Confidence* The more mentally fit you are, the more you’ll be able to handle the stress, anxiety and frustrations that come from work and personal life challenges. This includes relationships and how you engage with others like your colleagues, partner, children. Your level of Mental Fitness is the best predictor of how happy you are and how well you perform relative to your potential. The bad news is that 80% of people score below the minimum level of mental fitness required for peak performance and happiness. The good news is that, just like physical fitness, you can boost your Mental Fitness significantly with practice. During this interactive session, we will unpack
*An assessment will be sent to you after you register for the Master Class in December. |

Raquel Weiss Fusco, Vice President, Operations & Client Relations, elite | studio e
In her current role, Raquel Weiss Fusco is involved with every project elite | studio e works on. She liaises throughout the design and build processes ensuring streamlined communication between clients as well as the elite | studio e project solutions and design teams. With more than 40 team members in five locations, this position involves much coordination, dedication and organization. Previously, Raquel managed the elite | studio e estimating team and was a project estimator. The role provided her with an education about foodservice equipment, FF&E, technical drawings and other solutions necessary for a successful project. Currently, she serves as the Immediate Past President of SHFM.
Session 1: The Future YOU: Legacy Letters

Riana Mondavi, 4th Generation & Co-Proprietress, Director of DTC Operations, Mondavi & Family
Riana Mondavi’s career in the wine industry began at age 10 with her family’s business, C. Mondavi & Family. She spent her summers working in various roles, including the laboratory and cellar, but quickly realized her passion for sales over production. At 16, she expanded her horizons with a job at the Culinary Institute of America's Spice Island Market, further developing her interest in the restaurant and sales industries. Riana earned a degree in Marketing and International Business from Villanova University, and after graduation, she joined Southern Wine & Spirits in Miami, honing her skills in wine sales and distribution.
In 2011, Riana returned to C. Mondavi & Family in Seattle as the Northwest Regional Sales Manager, becoming the first fourth-generation family member to take on an active role. She later moved to California to manage Northern California sales, then to Dallas as the Director of National Accounts On-Premise Sales. In 2018, Riana returned to Napa Valley, where she shifted focus to the hospitality team, now serving as the Director of Direct-to-Consumer Operations. She engages with guests during tastings and tours, creating memorable experiences. In 2024, she took on a significant role by joining the Board of Directors, continuing her family’s legacy in the wine industry.
Session 1: The Future YOU: Legacy Letters

Leona deVinne, Partner at deVille Partners
Leona deVinne is a leadership coach, educator, and inspirational speaker with over 20 years of expertise in leadership training and development. Combining psychology, neuroscience, and storytelling, she empowers women to embrace their full potential with authenticity and courage. A partner at deVille Partners and founder of The Lioness Project, Leona helps women break free from limiting patterns, rediscover their voices, and confidently lead. Certified as a Dare to Lead™ facilitator, based on Brené Brown's work, she equips women with tools to live and lead with courage, build resilience, and foster meaningful growth. Leona’s talks and workshops are celebrated for their authenticity, practicality, and transformative insights. They inspire women to rise, thrive, and own their place at the table.
Session 2: BEE Bold in Your Journey!

Helene York, Author, Teacher, Supply Chain Professional
Helene York, after a successful career leading food procurement and sustainability initiatives for top companies, now focuses on teaching, mentoring, writing, and inspiring others to take bold action. She teaches Sustainability, Climate Change, and Biodiversity Loss at the Culinary Institute of America's Master’s Program in Food Systems and works with UC Berkeley undergraduates on values-based supply chains. York serves on the boards of the Chef Ann Foundation and the Asian Seafood Improvement Collaborative and has traveled to 27 countries to explore diverse food systems. Her upcoming book aims to bridge the gap between siloed disciplines in food systems, sustainability, and business, offering a framework for collaboration.

Meghan Daro, Vice President, Consultant Services, The Middleby Corporation (Moderator)
Meghan Daro is the Vice President of Consultant Services at Middleby, a global leader in food and beverage, with over $4 billion in revenues and a portfolio of 60+ top brands in commercial and residential foodservice equipment. She joined Middleby in 2018 through its Follett brand and has since brought her extensive experience in foodservice marketing, brand evolution, and industry relations. Prior to Middleby, she was Brand Director at Scotsman, where she led marketing, research, and partner engagement.
With a career in foodservice since 2004, Meghan holds multiple degrees and certifications in marketing, hospitality, and sales. She is a Certified Foodservice Professional (CFSP), Hospitality Beverage Specialist, and has earned numerous industry accolades, including the SHFM Rising Star and the Julie Flik Award. Passionate about fostering future talent, she serves on several industry boards and is dedicated to sharing her knowledge to inspire young professionals in foodservice.
Session 3: Women in Business: Friend or Foe

Kristin Conte, CEO, Side Hustle Marketing
For 25 years, Kristin Conte has worked in marketing and events with top brands in sports, entertainment and hospitality. In August 2020, Kristin started Side Hustle Marketing to focus on work she was passionate about -- producing hospitality-focused events, helping restaurants build their brands and taking on project management roles with agencies, brands and nonprofits. Kristin is a versatile leader who can contribute across all areas of marketing from communications and events to digital marketing and sales.
Kristin has built and grown marketing teams and agencies, developed marketing strategy for multi-million-dollar brands, produced dynamic consumer and VIP events, as well as developed and managed celebrity, brand and influencer partnerships. Kristin has produced brand activations and consumer events at 15 NBA All-Star weekends, and for brands such as Apple, Nike, Foot Locker, Warner Bros, NBA, USA Basketball and more.
SESSION 3: Women in Business: Friend or Foe

Brandi Peasley, Director, Facilites and Army General
Brandi Peasley attended the United States Military Academy and, upon graduating in 1994, she was commissioned into the U.S. Army Transportation Corps and served in Germany, Bosnia, and Central America while on active duty. In 1999, she departed active duty to pursue her civilian career. After America was attacked on 9/11, Brandi returned to military service and continues to serve in the Army Reserve as a senior Army Logistician. Some key highlights of her career include graduating from the Army War College, serving as the Chief of Staff for the 79th Theater Sustainment Command, and commanding the 451st Expeditionary Sustainment Command.
At her civilian career at TechnipFMC, Brandi focuses on the workplace experience for the energy company. Her team focuses on making the company a great workplace where employees enjoy their environment—amenities, technology, collaboration spaces, and seating.
SESSION 3: Women in Business: Friend or Foe

Leah Scurto owns, operates and is the head pizzaiola at Pizzaleah in Windsor, Northern California. She first starting making pizzas in 1997 and spent years honing her skills working in a small Bay Area pizza chain, Pizza My Heart. In mid 2018, Leah branched out on her own and began the process of creating Pizzaleah. Since opening in March 2020, PIzzaleah has been included multiple times on the San Francisco Chronicle’s list of the 25 Top Restaurants in the San Francisco Bay Area and was recently awarded the Snail Of Approval by the Slow Food Russian River Chapter.
Leah has won awards in pizza competitions across the United States and in Naples, Italy. She is 5 time pizza champion and in 2022 she was featured on Hulu’s original show, Best In Dough. In 2021 She was recognized as one of Pizza Today Magazine’s Rising Stars of the Pizza Industry. Leah has also had the honor of judging both international pizza and beer competitions.
SESSION 3: Women in Business: Friend or Foe

Chris Snyder, Vice President, Mobile Modular
Chris Snyder is a passionate, accomplished executive with over 20 years of experience in business management and leadership development. As Vice President at McGrath RentCorp in Livermore, CA, she created a program that has become a foundational pillar of the successful culture at her company. As a member of the DEI Steering Committee, Chris advocates for inclusivity in the workplace. She holds a BA in Speech Communications from San Jose State University, where she was part of the women’s basketball team and a scholar athlete. Outside of work, Chris is an avid equestrian, supports animal welfare, and enjoys adventurous pursuits.
SESSION 3: Women in Business: Friend or Foe

Amy Yip, Executive Coach
Amy Yip is a Mental Fitness Executive coach, keynote speaker, award-winning author, and self-confidence trainer. She’s also a 2X TEDx speaker. Amy works with women of color leaders to strengthen their mental fitness, heal intergenerational wounds, find their voice and the courage to speak up, and have agency to let go of all the ‘shoulds’ so that they can be the authors of their own life stories. Her mission is to empower women of color to be seen, to be heard, and to f-ing rock the boat. Amy is an International Coach Federation Professional Certified Coach, a Certified Hudson Institute Coach, a Certified Strozzi Institute Somatic Coach, and a pioneer Mental Fitness Coach certified through Positive Intelligence. Amy received her MBA from the UCLA Anderson School of Management, and her BS in computer science and BA in communications from the University of Maryland. Amy resides in Maryland with Greg, her best friend and husband, and her sons Logan and Julian, the cutest kids ever.
Master Class: Authentically You: Mastering Mental Fitness and Confidence