Kellanova’s Dr. Deepali Palta Inspires at Women in Food & Agriculture Summit

On September 22 in Chicago, Kellanova’s Global R&D VP, Dr. Deepali Palta took the stage at the Women in Food and Agriculture Conference and delivered a keynote that felt less like a speech and more like a shared journey. With warmth, clarity, and authenticity, she invited the audience into her world — one shaped by curiosity, courage and connection.

From childhood breakfasts in India, where she learned to ask questions and listen closely, to earning a Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering at Georgia Tech

Diversity Culture Yields Better Outcomes, Stronger Teams - Women in Food & Agriculture

A panel featuring Brian Choi, CEO of The Food Institute; Brian Carlson, CIO of Sodexo North America; and Tosin Jack, Director of Market Reporting at Expana, discussed the strategic value of gender diversity and inclusive leadership in corporate performance at Expana's Women in Food & Agriculture in Chicago today.   

Choi said having women in the team is a strategic advantage. Carlson stressed the need for inclusive leadership, saying, “if you’re the leader of a group, make sure everyone is heard, balanced view, creating an equal forum.”   

Leaders Urge Skill-Building and Responsible Deployment of AI - Women in Food & Agriculture

A panel featuring Luana Clapis, Chief Data Officer of Expana; Natalie McCaffery, AI-LEAF Institute Youth Education Project Lead at AIVO Institute; and Mary Snapp, Vice President for Strategic Initiatives at Microsoft, held during Expana's Women in Food & Agriculture in Chicago today discussed how artificial intelligence is reshaping the food and agriculture sectors and what leaders must do to navigate the transition.   

Clapis said uncertainty will persist, but AI’s potential remains to “connect the dots, it will reshape the industry." 

Horizon Organic's Patricia Stroup Says Influence, Branding Key to Leadership - WFA

Patricia Stroup, Chief Operating Officer of Horizon Organic and former Chief Procurement Officer at Nestlé SA, said at Expana's Women in Food and Agriculture (WFA) conference in Chicago today that effective leadership hinges on influence, personal branding and stakeholder diplomacy, not rank or authority alone. Stroup outlined a framework that can help advance through a mix of practical tactics and relationship-building within the workplace.   

Stroup told attendees she begins with a straightforward question to her teams: “What do you want?” She said the