Page 13 - WOMEN FORUM JOURNAL 2025

TAVERAS SENY EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR NATIONAL SUPERMARKET ASSOCIATION It is an honor to welcome you to the NSA Women’s Forum 2025, a gathering that celebrates the power, resilience, and leadership of women in the supermarket industry and beyond. This forum is more than just an event—it is a movement dedicated to empowering, inspiring, and connecting women, ensuring they have the resources, mentorship, and support needed to thrive in their careers and personal endeavors. As the Executive Director of the National Supermarket Association (NSA), I take great pride in advancing an organization that champions advocacy, business development, and education for independent supermarket owners. This mission aligns deeply with the purpose of today’s forum—to uplift women, provide opportunities for growth, and build a commu- nity where their contributions are recognized and celebrated. This year, we continue our commitment to fostering leadership, inclusion, and economic empowerment for women in our industry. We acknowledge that success is not achieved alone—it is built through collaboration, mentorship, and support from peers and allies. That is why this forum serves as a bridge for industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and aspiring professionals to connect, learn, and share experiences. I want to extend a special congratulations to our esteemed honorees—your dedication and accomplishments serve as an inspiration to us all. Your hard work and perseverance have made a significant impact, and we are honored to cele- brate you today. Additionally, I would like to thank our panelists for sharing their time, expertise, and insights with us. Your participation in these critical conversations is invaluable, and your leadership helps pave the way for future generations of women in our industry. I also extend my heartfelt appreciation to our President Samuel Collado, the NSA Board of Directors, our Women’s Forum Chairman Anthony Peña, the entire committee, our dedicated Staff Denise Diaz and our sponsors for their dedication in making this event a success. Your unwavering support ensures that we continue to make a meaningful impact, not just today, but for generations to come. As we engage in thought-provoking discussions, celebrate the achievements of extraordinary women, and build new connections, let us remember that each of us plays a role in shaping the future of our industry and our communities. I encourage you to take full advantage of this space—to learn, to lead, and to lift others along the way. Thank you for being part of the NSA Women’s Forum 2025. Your presence and participation are invaluable as we con- tinue this journey of empowerment together. With gratitude, Seny Taveras Executive Director, National Supermarket Association