During the 2025 Protein PACT Solutions Summit, the Women’s Meat Industry Network hosted its 2025 Impactful Woman of the Year Award Luncheon, honoring the top five nominees for the Impactful WMIN of the Year. At the luncheon, WMIN announced that Cathy East, vice president of national merchandising – Meat and Seafood at Albertsons Cos., is the 2025 Most Impactful WMIN of the Year.

“Cathy has not only driven meaningful progress in our industry through her leadership and advocacy, but she has also been a true trailblazer and role model for women across the meat and poultry industry,” said Natosha Walsh, chair of WMIN and senior vice president of Retail Sales at Hormel Foods. “By breaking barriers, mentoring others, and leading with authenticity, she has opened doors for the next generation of leaders. We are thrilled to honor Cathy as WMIN’s Most Impactful Woman of the Year and celebrate the lasting impact she continues to make on our industry and our community of women.”

East is a trailblazer with 30 years in the meat industry. She was the first female co-chair of the Annual Meat Conference and is in the Top Women - Grocery Hall of Fame. She is a champion of food safety, sustainability and customer-focused innovation.

East is a mentor and advocate through WIIN & WAC with Albertsons, NEXTUP, the Meat Institute, AMC and WMIN. She is an influential voice across national boards and industry committees. Her visionary leadership and unwavering advocacy continue to shape a more inclusive, innovative future.

From her early work at IBP (now Tyson Foods), where she helped develop the first HACCP documentation in a beef facility, to her current role as an executive leader at Albertsons, East's career has been defined by challenging norms and driving innovation.

East leverages data, insight, and storytelling to push merchandising beyond convention by anticipating shifts in consumer preference, elevating quality, and delivering experiences that resonate deeply. She was also a driving force behind the first retail shear-force cutting lab, ensuring tenderness in the Ranchers Reserve beef brand.

Her influence extends well beyond Albertsons. East is the immediate past Chairperson of the National Pork Board’s Retail Advisory Committee, contributes to the Albertsons’ Animal Well-Being Committee, and participated in Colorado State University’s AgNext Innovation Group. She is a regular presence at industry events, both as a speaker and as an advocate for change that benefits consumers and the broader industry.

The Most Impactful WMIN of the Year Award is earned by leaders in meat and poultry who are passionate about the education, development and promotion of women in this industry.  They are bold and unafraid to fulfill the WMIN promise to challenge the status quo and create opportunities for diverse talents and perspectives to help our industry thrive.

The Women’s Meat Industry Network is a nonprofit organization designed to bring together the powerful benefits of gender diversity. While there are a variety of groups focused on the advancement of women, WMIN is specific to the challenges, technical specialties and career opportunities found within the meat and poultry industry, supporting members through networking, mentorship and professional development.

Source: Women's Meat Industry Network