The Women’s Meat Industry Network (WMIN) today announced its new Board of Directors for 2026, reaffirming its commitment to leadership, continuity, and supporting women across the meat industry.

With more than 27 years in the meat industry, Johanna W. Hernandez’s career reflects perseverance, purpose, and people-first leadership. Now General Manager of Cargill Fort Morgan Beef in Fort Morgan, Colorado, Johanna’s journey from Human Resources to operations leadership is rooted in growth, empathy, and excellence.

At just 29, Pranita Patil is emerging as a leading voice in food safety and a rising influence in the meat industry. In her role as Food Safety and Quality Assurance (FSQA) Manager at FPL Food LLC, she oversees food safety across harvest and fabrication operations, ensuring USDA-FSIS compliance while fostering a culture of safety and quality throughout the facility. Her work ensures that operations run smoothly, efficiently and in full alignment with regulatory standards.

The Women’s Meat Industry Network (WMIN) today announced that Cathy East, Vice President of National Merchandising – Meat and Seafood at Albertsons Companies is the “Most Impactful WMIN of the Year." East is a trailblazer with 30 years in the meat industry. She was the first female co-chair of the Annual Meat Conference (AMC) and is in the “Top Women - Grocery Hall of Fame.” She is a champion of food safety, sustainability, and customer-focused innovation.

Megan Witt’s journey into the meat industry began in a small Louisiana town where food was more than sustenance—it was tradition. From making homemade sausage with her family to leading sales teams today, Megan has always seen meat as a way to bring people together. Her passion for protein and cooking laid the foundation for a career built on connection, innovation, and impact.

With more than two decades of experience, Raven Kropf has built a distinguished career in the meat industry and today serves as President of Teys USA. Her journey, rooted in agriculture and shaped by perseverance, mentorship, and a sense of purpose, reflects the evolving role of women in an industry once dominated by men. Raised on a small farm in Kentucky, Kropf developed an early appreciation for agriculture. After earning a degree in Agricultural Economics from the University of Kentucky, she was drawn to the meat industry because it combined her passion for agriculture with the opportunity for variety and growth. “The industry offered enough diversity in roles to make for an interesting career,” she explains.

When it comes to paving the way for women in the meat industry, few embody persistence quite like Colette Gorham. Her 35-year career journey began at Tyson Foods. While there, she held a variety of roles in human resources, all levels of plant operations, refrigeration and production before working in sanitation. She transitioned to PSSI/Fortrex nearly a decade ago, where she has continued to take on new levels of responsibility and leadership while navigating the setbacks and challenges that come with a traditionally male-dominated industry.

Eighteen years ago, Ozlem, or Oz as her friends and colleagues call her, took a leap of faith, moving to the U.S. for her late husband’s job with Cargill. Determined to continue her career in marketing, she reached out for guidance—and that simple act led to an incredible journey in the meat industry. The industry has evolved since she first started. Early on, as so often happens, she found herself as the only woman in meetings, facing challenges that many leaders wouldn't.

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.