Growing Leadership from Within: Wholesum Celebrates First “NextGen” Graduates and Prepares for Next Cohort This Fall
Amado, Arizona – September 2, 2025 – Wholesum announces the graduation of the first cohort of
its new internal leadership development program, NextGen Academy. This initiative is designed to
nurture the potential of team members who seek to grow both professionally and personally within
the company. The inaugural edition of the program concluded in the Spring of 2025, with the
graduation of four outstanding participants.
NextGen was born from Wholesum’s commitment to its essential company value, “People on the
Move,” which emphasizes continuous growth, proactivity, and the drive to constantly evolve both
personally and professionally. This initiative aims to prepare the next generation of leaders who will
foster a positive work culture, lead by example, and reflect the company’s values in every decision.
It was created with the vision that every team member, regardless of their current role, can develop
the skills necessary to take on new challenges as leadership opportunities arise.
The program is an employee-led initiative coordinated by Tina Federico, Wholesum’s Assistant Sales
Manager. Applications were open to all Wholesum facilities and received submissions from
employees across various departments. Through a rigorous interview and evaluation process, four
individuals with high potential and proven performance were selected.
The graduates of this first cohort are:
• Brenda Nava, Accountant at Wholesum Family Farms
• Eddie López, Operations at Wholesum Family Farms
• Jaset Parada, Quality Assurance (QA) Coordinator at Wholesum Farms Arizona
• Joaquín Alfredo Campos Noriega, Greenhouse Supervisor at Wholesum Farms Sonora
The NextGen training was divided into two phases. The first phase focused on universal courses
covering interpersonal and leadership skills such as communication, emotional intelligence,
problem-solving, and teamwork, delivered through Schoox, an online learning platform that enables
flexible, interactive training. In the second phase, each participant received a personalized
specialization plan and was paired with an internal mentor from the company. Throughout this
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT:
Sylvia Stephanie Wallace
sylviaw@wh.farm
(520) 488-1447
process, they faced real-world challenges and participated in integrative projects with a direct
impact on the company’s operations.
The program created not only professional but also personal growth. “It’s a great opportunity
because it teaches you things you don’t learn in school. I stepped out of my bubble and now
understand the impact my work has on other areas. I feel seen and valued by the company,” said
Brenda Nava, one of the participants.
“Our priority is to prepare participants with the tools, and the knowledge that previous leaders didn’t
always have access to, due to the absence of a structured educational process. This program is
designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of how Wholesum operates, ensuring they can
transition into leadership smoothly and with greater support,” explains Tina Federico, Assistant
Sales Manager at Wholesum Family Farms.
Looking ahead, Wholesum is solidifying NextGen Academy as an annual program led by the People
and Culture department, an investment in shaping the company’s future leaders from within. The
team is committed to continuously evolving the program, refining it with each cohort to ensure it
remains dynamic, relevant, and impactful. With the success of this inaugural class, Wholesum is
ready to open applications in Fall 2025 for the next generation of changemakers who will carry
forward the company’s values and drive its vision into the future.
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About Wholesum
Wholesum is a third-generation family farming operation based in Southern Arizona, rooted in a deep
commitment to organic agriculture and social responsibility. As a leading grower and shipper of Fair Trade
Certified, 100% organic vegetables, the company combines heritage with forward-thinking practices to push
the boundaries of what organic can be. With operations in Arizona and Mexico, Wholesum is dedicated to
advancing sustainability and creating a more just food system, innovating in organics through bold flavor,
exceptional quality, and a better experience for consumers.