Vegan Women Summit To Host Future Of Food Job Fair To Promote Diversity In The Workplace

Vegan Women Summit recently announced that it will host the VWS Connect event series, the world’s first job networking series aimed at connecting mission-driven employers to underrepresented individuals thus building a diverse workforce in the plant-based field.

Vegan Women Summit (VWS), a media & events company that works towards empowering women to build a sustainable world will host its VWS Connect event series starting virtually from February 24, 2021.

The event hopes to connect employers from across the world including Europe, Asia, and North America to individuals that are often underrepresented in the plant-based field.

Jennifer Stojkovic, founder of VWS, shared that the series aims to create a path forward for a more inclusive and equitable future of food. “It’s no secret that women, specifically women of color, continue to be significantly underrepresented in this emerging industry. While our work has only just begun, VWS is dedicated to creating access to these high-quality, mission-driven jobs for all — and we’re proud to partner with so many employers from around the world to build this diverse and inclusive workforce.” 

The event will showcase brands, startups, and nonprofits such as Miyoko’s, Rebellyous Foods, SuperMeat, and ProVeg, and many more. Those who participate in the event will have an opportunity to browse job openings from participating companies ranging from executive roles to entry-level roles across all departments, including engineering, science, and marketing.

It’s no secret that women, specifically women of color, continue to be significantly underrepresented in this emerging industry. While our work has only just begun, VWS is dedicated to creating access to these high-quality, mission-driven jobs for all — and we’re proud to partner with so many employers from around the world to build this diverse and inclusive workforce

Jennifer Stojkovic, founder of VWS

Christie Lagally, founder & CEO of Rebellyous Foods expressed her support as an employer partner for the series. “Addressing difficult environmental and social justice issues requires a diverse skill set, and it necessitates the holistic perspective and strategies that women bring to important roles in companies like Rebellyous who are working to transform the food system. It’s vital that, not only are women hired and supported within the start-up and nonprofit ecosystem, but also that women embrace growth and leadership roles beyond what they originally thought possible for themselves. We need their commitment and determination to solve seemingly intractable global problems that negatively impact people, animals and the planet.”

In December of last year, VWS held VWS Pathfinder, the world’s first summit and pitch competition dedicated to plant-based female-identifying founders and with over 800 attendees across 31 countries, the summit witnessed leaders in venture capital along with hosting founder chats and panel discussions aimed at breaking down the fundraising challenges that women entrepreneurs face in the plant-based industry. 

According to VWS survey on the gender inequalities that female founders continue to face, nearly half of the female founders interviewed (48%) reported that they faced bias during the fundraising process, and more than half (55%) mentioned that they do not have a mentor as well as others had challenges in establishing a successful relationship with a mentor.

Stojkovic explained: “Almost half of female founders and CEOs in the food tech industry have encountered bias, particularly gender bias, from investors, while nearly half of all female founders of color have experienced racial bias.”

To register for the VWS Connect, attendees can sign up here.