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 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.
