Women’s Equality Day, celebrated each year on August 26, marks the anniversary of the 1920 ratification of the 19th Amendment, which granted women the right to vote. Established by Congress in 1971, the day serves as a powerful reminder of the progress we’ve made as a nation, and the work still ahead to achieve gender equality.

At IDFA, we’re proud to champion women’s leadership and advancement across the dairy industry. Through our Women in Dairy network, we provide resources, encourage collaboration, and promote professional growth for all individuals across the dairy supply chain. Both men and women are encouraged to participate in this network. This year, IDFA released the 2025 State of Women in Dairy Report, which provides IDFA members and the dairy industry with new data-based metrics and recommendations to support gender equality across the entire supply chain.

As we celebrate Women’s Equality Day this year, we recognize many individuals and organizations working to foster inclusive and supportive environments.  We are especially proud to spotlight two IDFA member companies helping to lead the way:

Ecolab

At Ecolab, the company believes that businesses thrive when people feel empowered to bring their full selves to work. As a global sustainability leader offering water, hygiene and infection prevention solutions and services that help protect people and the resources vital to life, Ecolab supports industries like dairy by fostering inclusive environments across the supply chain—from farm to facility.

“Inclusion isn’t just a value—it’s how we grow,” said Natalia Ojeda Carrero, director of sales operations for Food & Beverage, North America Field Sales. “We truly have a ‘Culture of Care’. It’s important to us that we understand where people are and provide tools and support that meet their needs in that moment.”

This approach is reflected in Ecolab’s inclusive leadership practices and programs. Employee resource groups (ERGs), mentorship opportunities, optional allyship training, and the work of the employee-led Food & Beverage Diversity, Equity and Inclusion team. Because these opportunities are open to all associates, regardless of background or professional trajectory, they help build a workplace where everyone feels seen, heard and valued.

“We truly have a ‘Culture of Care’. It’s important to us that we understand where people are and provide tools and support that meet their needs in that moment.”

Natalia Ojeda Carrero, Director of Sales Operations for Food & Beverage, North America Field Sales, Ecolab

One example is E3, an employee resource group open to all associates and focused on supporting and developing female talent. E3 fosters leadership development and connection, especially for associates in remote or field-based roles. Through peer networks and regional circles, E3 helps build community and create space for growth.

“Being part of ERGs has been meaningful to me,” said Ojeda Carrero. “You meet people you might not have interacted with otherwise—people who understand your perspective. It opens doors and helps build relationships across the company.”

Another resource is the ASPIRE Conference, which brings together more than 400 sales professionals and nominated guests, both men and women, for leadership insights, skill-building and networking. ASPIRE helps foster connection and growth for women in sales—just one example of how Ecolab invests in an inclusive and supportive workplace.

Ecolab also offers Sales Awareness Training, an optional webinar designed to help employees become stronger allies. The training explores challenges women may face in sales and provides practical strategies to foster inclusion. More than 2,000 employees have completed the training.

“We received incredible feedback from both men and women,” said Holly Bode, senior corporate account manager for Food & Beverage, North America – Dairy Segment. “Our male peers said the training opened their eyes to the experiences of their female colleagues. It’s helped us all be more intentional in how we support one another.”

Efforts such as this are strengthened by the work of employee-led groups across the company. The Food & Beverage Diversity, Equity and Inclusion team plays a key role in embedding inclusion into daily work. Through storytelling, training and team-building, the group helps ensure all voices are heard and valued.

“Our male peers said the training opened their eyes to the experiences of their female colleagues. It’s helped us all be more intentional in how we support one another.”

Holly Bode, Senior Corporate Account Manager for Food & Beverage, North America – Dairy Segment, Ecolab

From ERGs to inclusive leadership practices, Ecolab is helping shape a more resilient and representative future for the dairy industry—one where everyone belongs.

Nelson-Jameson

Nelson-Jameson is committed to fostering inclusion and gender equality through a variety of comprehensive initiatives. Their holistic approach empowers women at all levels of the organization and promotes inclusive workplaces. From training and mentorship programs to transparent reporting and external partnerships, these efforts are integrated into every aspect of the company’s operations.

In 2023, Nelson-Jameson published its first Corporate Responsibility Report, offering transparency on its ongoing initiatives focused on stewardship, sustainability, and employee engagement. Last year, they released an updated report that shows the continued progress around these priorities. As of November 2024, the company continues to make meaningful strides toward achieving gender balance across all levels. Women represent 50% of top management, up from 48% the previous year, demonstrating a strong dedication to inclusive leadership. Across the entire workforce, women make up 40.89%. Representation on the company’s board remains steady, with women holding 40% of board seats. These figures underscore Nelson-Jameson’s ongoing commitment to gender equality and transparent communication.

“We have seen how bringing an array of voices and perspectives to the table has helped strengthen our business, and we remain committed to making sure our employees feel empowered and engaged in having those voices heard as part of the Nelson-Jameson family,” said Mat Bartkowiak, VP of Corporate Responsibility and Development.

“We have seen how bringing an array of voices and perspectives to the table has helped strengthen our business, and we remain committed to making sure our employees feel empowered and engaged in having those voices heard as part of the Nelson-Jameson family.”

Mat Bartkowiak, VP of Corporate Responsibility and Development, Nelson-Jameson

A key part of this commitment is the company’s active involvement in diversity training through its partnership with the Unity Alliance of Southern Idaho. These programs focus on raising awareness, fostering understanding, and developing inclusive leadership skills that address equity challenges. By participating in this training, Nelson-Jameson reinforces its goal of cultivating a workplace culture where diversity is celebrated and all employees feel respected and supported.

"At Nelson-Jameson, we believe equity strengthens our people, our culture, and our future. The principles reinforced through my training with the Unity Alliance of Southern Idaho continue to guide how we build a workplace where everyone can thrive,” said Heather Simcakoski, VP of Customer and Employee Experience. “We celebrate the achievements of our people and work every day toward a culture where equity is the standard, not the exception."

Mentorship and networking are also key to advancing gender equality at Nelson-Jameson by providing women with guidance, advocacy, and opportunities to build confidence and expand professional connections. These initiatives help break down barriers, increase visibility, and support women’s growth into leadership roles. To foster this, Nelson-Jameson promotes participation in programs like the IDFA Women in Dairy Network mentoring circles and the Marshfield Chamber of Commerce’s Working Women’s Wednesdays—a semi-annual lunch-and-learn event that connects professional women through vendors and guest speakers.

"At Nelson-Jameson, we believe equity strengthens our people, our culture, and our future. We celebrate the achievements of our people and work every day toward a culture where equity is the standard, not the exception."

Heather Simcakoski, VP of Customer and Employee Experience, Nelson-Jameson

Additionally, Nelson-Jameson continues to sponsor IDFA’s programs that support women in the dairy industry, further demonstrating its dedication to empowering women across the sector.

Companies from across the dairy supply chain are making strides to improve gender equality within the workforce. At the same time, IDFA is proud to support the ongoing work of our members through the Women in Dairy network. More information about the opportunities and resources that are available can be found here.