Crema Of The Crop

Kristine Concepción
National Mango Board
As the popularity of mangos has soared in the United States, the National Mango Board has played an increasingly active role in the industry. Kristine Concepción was wrapping up an internship with the City of Orlando when a client suggested she apply for a newly-created position at the National Mango Board. It was, as it turned out, a perfect fit.

As the director of industry relations, Concepción guides communication initiatives, supports members, and promotes the organization’s range of programs. Although she is doing well and enjoys her job, she has encountered a few challenges along the way, both as a woman and a Latina.

Surprisingly, she has found some people believe all Latinas are bold, expressive extroverts—and she’s an introvert. At times she feels she’s had to overcome misperceptions “because I’m not as vocal compared to certain stereotypes.”

Concepción believes women and Latinas can bring much to the produce industry—from new perspectives and ideas to engaging with younger generations—even as they come up against ongoing gender barriers.

“The biggest challenges are the limitations and preconceived notions of what society defines as gender roles and professional roles,” she asserts. “Many women in the industry are leaders in marketing, communications, and relationship-building, but few are in business and organizational leadership roles.” This lack of coverage, however, is slowly changing, and she is excited to see it occur in produce and elsewhere.

Lori Ruiz-Nisimblat
Ruiz Sales
Lori Ruiz-Nisimblat started working at the family business when she was sixteen. Her first tasks? Cleaning, sweeping, organizing files, and paperwork. Throughout college and graduate school, she took on more responsibility, from sales to business development and expanding the company’s reach with large supermarket chains. Eventually, she became director of operations and co-owner of the Edinburg, TX-based business.

When she’s not negotiating with growers and shippers or researching market prices, Ruiz-Nisimblat is a passionate advocate for traceability programs and educating the public about the benefits of eating fresh produce.

“As a mom, I want to know as much as possible about the food I’m serving my family,” she says. “Many friends and customers want the same thing. Education on the benefits of fresh fruit and vegetables is the best way to not only increase sales, but also to make America healthier.”