Join WFFC for their Annual Spring Education Seminar designed to equip and empower the next generation of leaders in the flavor and fragrance industry. This year’s program brings together corporate executives, founders, consultants, marketers, and educators to share real-world lessons on building confidence, navigating change, launching brands, and shaping meaningful careers across every stage of the professional journey!

Whether you are rising within a corporate organization, launching your own venture, or guiding future talent, these sessions offer actionable insights and authentic perspectives from industry trailblazers.

This year’s lineup boasts innovative industry professionals including:

Unshakeable Self-Assurance: A Catalyst for Change
Speaker: Suzanne C. Johnson, Vice President R&D, NA Consumer,
Formerly of McCormick & Co., Inc.
A powerful session on cultivating self-assurance as the key to navigating rapid change, making confident decisions, and leading with authenticity.

From Corporate Leadership to Consulting
Speaker: Mark Knitowski, Fragrance Consultant & Brand Builder

Mark will share his professional journey from the corporate fragrance world (SVP at VS Beauty) to becoming a consultant for brands and startups, highlighting lessons learned, mindset shifts, and opportunities beyond traditional corporate roles.

The Entrepreneurial Journey
Speaker: Mindy Yang, WTSA’s Co-Founder & CEO & CEO, Perfumarie

Mindy will discuss her path as an entrepreneur, including building a business from the ground up, navigating challenges, and creating a brand
rooted in passion and purpose.

From Legacy to Launchpad: Building a Brand Platform for the Future
Speaker: Jillian Hermanowicz, Chief Marketing Officer, Vibrant Ingredients

In this session, Jillian shares how she led the transformation of a legacy ingredient company into a modern, innovation-driven brand built for growth. Attendees will gain practical insights on aligning strategy, culture, and storytelling to drive momentum, unlock innovation, and create brands that serve as platforms for long-term commercial success.

Panel Discussions:

Entrepreneurship Panel:
Cultivating Community and Support Networks at Every Stage

Join Emily Bond (Co-founder and CEO, Lotus Bridge Strategic Partners), Ilina Luthra (Founder, Roster Radio), and Amy Marks-McGee (Founder, Trendincite) for a dynamic discussion on entrepreneurship in the Fragrance & Flavor (F&F) industry.
The panel, moderated by Marie Wright (Co-founder, Mystic Flavours) explores the entrepreneurial journey, sharing real-world experiences, lessons learned, and the critical role of community-building before, during, and after the launch process.

Panelists:

• Emily Bond
  Co-Founder, CEO, Lotus Bridge Strategic Partners

• Ilina Luthra
  Founder, Roster Radio

• Amy Marks-McGee
  WTSA Advisor & Founder, Trendincite

•  Marie Wright (Moderator)
  Co-Founder, Mystic Flavours

Mentorship Matters:
Growing the Next Generation of F&F Talent
Join Ildiko Juhasz, Associate Professor at FIT, Beverly J. Tepper, Ph.D., Professor at Rutgers University, and Neka Okhade, Perfumer at Agilex Fragrances, for a dynamic panel on the essential role mentorship plays in developing emerging talent and shaping the future of the Fragrance & Flavor (F&F) industry.

Moderated by Jenna Troyli, co-founder of Noted and WTSA Board Member, the session will explore how the industry can attract, inspire, and support the next generation of professionals

Panelists:

• Ildiko Juhasz
  Associate Professor, FIT

• Neha Okhade
  Perfumer, Agilex Fragrances 

• Beverly J. Tepper, Ph.D.
  Professor, Rutgers University

• Jenna Troyli (Moderator)
  Co-Founder, Noted, LLC.

WFFC Networking Lunch

After our sessions, join us for the WFFC Networking Lunch where empowerment meets connection and meaningful conversation hosted by NJ Chapter President Natasha Reed and Marie Wright (Mystic Flavours). Enjoy a delicious meal as our incredible WFFC Moderators guide engaging discussions designed to spark new connections, inspire fresh perspectives, and highlight your unique strengths. Share your story, meet like-minded professionals, and build lasting relationships that will support and elevate you throughout your career.

CLICK HERE FOR THE ATTENDEE LIST

Thank you to our event sponsors!