Equitable Food Initiative, the workforce development and certification organization that partners with growers, farmworkers and retailers, recognized Amalia Zimmerman-Lommel of GoodFarms with the 2025 Frieda Rapoport Caplan Women’s Catalyst Award.
Named for produce industry pioneer Frieda Rapoport Caplan, the award honors individuals who mentor women, act with integrity and create pathways for others to thrive professionally, according to a news release. It is presented annually during the Women’s Fresh Perspectives Breakfast held during the International Fresh Produce Association’s Global Produce and Floral Show.
Zimmerman-Lommel, who currently serves as director of sustainability and partner at GoodFarms, began her career as a receptionist before working her way up through the company and earning recognition as a trailblazer in social responsibility, sustainability and leadership within the produce industry. During the award presentation, presenters noted that she builds pathways for women to step into new roles with confidence, provides the support they need to thrive and acts as a convener and a bridge builder. Zimmerman-Lommel has been deeply committed to empowering women across all levels of the agricultural supply chain, mentoring countless women and creating spaces and processes within her company to foster confidence, connection and growth.
Reflecting on Zimmerman-Lommel’s contributions, Megan Nash, director of education and talent for IFPA says: “Amalia truly embodies the spirit of this award. Her dedication, integrity and heart for mentorship show up in everything she does. She doesn’t just talk about developing future leaders, she actively invests her time, her experience and her belief in others. She is carrying forward Frieda Caplan’s powerful legacy of action, impact and lifting others as she climbs.”
Zimmerman-Lommel’s mentorship has inspired women across her company and the industry, according to the release. Her colleague, Marylu Ramirez, human resources and H-2A program manager for GoodFarms says: “Amalia doesn’t just offer guidance, she creates intentional opportunities for growth and helps you see the potential you didn’t know you had. She has given me both a platform and the resources to advance my career, and I am deeply grateful to her. Amalia brings a rare blend of integrity, wisdom and genuine care that makes everyone around her feel valued and capable of more. She has been a pillar of support for me and for so many others at GoodFarms.”
Under her leadership, GoodFarms became one of the first growers to adopt EFI’s Responsibly Grown, Farmworker Assured certification program, which promotes collaboration, continuous improvement, leadership and worker engagement on farms. Zimmerman-Lommel has been instrumental in implementing worker-manager collaborative teams that give farmworkers — especially women — a platform to lead, share ideas and develop professionally.
“Amalia’s impact reaches far beyond her own company,” says LeAnne Ruzzamenti, EFI’s director of marketing and cCommunications. “She exemplifies what it means to lead with empathy and vision. Through her mentorship, she has built a legacy of women who see themselves as capable, confident and vital to the success of our industry.”
Zimmerman-Lommel credits her success to mentors who supported her early in her career and to her belief that leadership is about creating opportunities for others.
“These things are possible when women are mentored and given an opportunity to grow,” she said during her acceptance speech. “Sometimes, all we need is a little opportunity and someone who believes in us.”
