Sacramento, Calif. – The California Manufacturers & Technology Association (CMTA) is pleased to announce several inspiring keynote speakers to its 3rd Annual Women MakingCA Conference during this year’s Women’s History Month.

Union Pacific’s first female president, Beth Whited, Juice Beauty Founder, Karen Behnke, and Bishop-Wisecarver’s President Pamela Kan are set to speak on March 5, 2024, at the prestigious Kimpton Sawyer Hotel during CMTA’s conference. The conference and awards ceremony hosted every year during Women’s History Month in March aims to celebrate the accomplishments and contributions of women in California’s manufacturing industry. 

“We are thrilled to bring three inspiring and hardworking women to our conference this year as keynote speakers,” said Ananda Rochita, Vice President of Communications. “Beth, Karen and Pamela’s experience in the manufacturing industry will uplift and bring ladies together for our conference as we celebrate Women’s History Month. I look forward to hearing them share their experiences and stories from the industry.” 

Whited has over 35 years of manufacturing and railroad experience, leading to her historic position today. Her experience includes leadership roles in disciplines that touch nearly every part of operating the world’s largest freight rail network. Under Whited’s leadership, Union Pacific’s strategic vision includes striving to become the nation’s No. 1 supply chain logistics provider while guiding its efforts to reach net zero by 2050. Whited’s industry-leading efforts have been recognized through a myriad of awards, including the 2021 Railway Woman of the Year by the League of Railway Women and Progressive Railroading, and Constellation Research’s ESG50 List reflecting her commitment to sustainability. Learn more about Whited’s experience here. 

Behnke founded the pioneering beauty company Juice Beauty in 2005, which delivers luxurious clinically validated skincare and plant-based makeup products. The brand’s “Farm to Beauty” philosophy is truly brought to life as core ingredients are harvested at their organic, sustainable farm in the heart of the Sonoma Wine Country in Healdsburg, California. The company has partnered with actress Gwyneth Paltrow as an investor, received multiple prestigious product awards, and has collaborated with Kate Hudson. Behnke has received numerous business accolades throughout her career, including being named one of Goldman Sachs 100 Most Innovative Entrepreneurs, Woman Entrepreneur of the Year, and “Top Eco-Leader” by Glamour Magazine. Learn more about Behnke’s experience here. 

Kan is an accomplished female leader in the manufacturing sector, having received numerous awards and recognition for her contributions as the owner and president of Bishop-Wisecarver. She is a passionate advocate for gender diversity in the industry and is committed to promoting manufacturing as a viable career path. Kan is actively involved in various regional, state, and national trade organizations, where she works to address the industry’s skills gap and supports STEM-focused student programs and mentoring groups for women business owners.

EMMY and Murrow award-winning journalist, spokesperson, speaker, and educator Cristina Mendonsa will moderate the conference panels. 

The 3rd Annual Women MakingCA Conference and Awards Ceremony is on March 5, 2024. Learn more about the conference here. Register for tickets here. 

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About CMTA

The California Manufacturers & Technology Association has advocated for pro-growth laws and regulations before the California legislature and administrative agencies since 1918. The total output from manufacturing in California is $300 billion per year, roughly 10 percent of the total economic output of the state. Manufacturers employ 1.3 million Californians paying wages more than $25,000 higher than other non-farm employers in the state. For more information, visit CMTA’s website.