Dec 7, 20152 min read
By: Heather Garlich, Senior Director Media and Public Relations, Food Marketing Institute
On Nov. 17, Food Marketing Institute (FMI) President and CEO Leslie G. Sarasin was appointed to serve as the in-coming Washington, DC-chapter president for the International Women’s Forum (IWF). Sarasin assumed the leadership role among her peers at IWF’s annual meeting.
The International Women’s Forum of Washington, DC, brings together some of the most accomplished women in the Metro region who lead in diverse fields and who share a common purpose in engaging and promoting women in leadership. As its original founders intended, the forum connects women leaders across politics, business, law, government, medicine, industry technology, the arts and sciences, in order to learn from each other’s success, failures and bridge community. Sarasin will be the first trade association executive to hold this post, bringing the experience and the expertise of an entire industry.
Leslie Sarasin said, “I am honored by the trust placed in me by my peers in the DC Chapter. I join these female pioneers in business and government in supporting the organization’s mission of building better global leadership across careers, continents and cultures. I look forward to bringing more attention to the inspirational, collegial and dynamic leadership that women bring to their respective industries.”
Outgoing IWF-DC President Rita Shapiro, executive director of the National Symphony Orchestra, praised the appointment of Sarasin, saying, “Leslie has provided wonderful service to IWFDC during her past two years as a member of the Board, and I have every confidence that she will be an extraordinary and dynamic new President for our organization. We all look forward with great enthusiasm to working with her.”
For more information about the IWF, its global chapters and Leadership Foundation, visit www.iwforum.org.


Industry Topics address your specific area of expertise with resources, reports, events and more.
Our Research covers consumer behavior and retail operation benchmarks so you can make informed business decisions.
Events and Education including online and in-person help you advance your food retail career.
Food Safety training, resources and guidance that help you create a company food safety culture.
Government Affairs work — federal and state — on the latest food industry policy, regulatory and legislative issues.
Get Involved. From industry awards to newsletters and committees, these resources help you take advantage of your membership.
Best practices, guidance documents, infographics, signage and more for the food industry on the COVID-19 pandemic.
