BEMA Ascend scholarship provides opportunities for aspiring leaders

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BEMA Ascend scholarship provides opportunities for aspiring leaders

4 Feb 2022

Joanie Spencer

Since 2008, Joanie Spencer has covered the retail and wholesale sides of the baking industry.
Serving associations such as the American Society of Baking (ASB) and BEMA, Joanie is also in demand as an industry presenter on bakery operations and trends. She holds a bachelor’s degree in communication from Rockhurst University and a master’s degree in journalism from the University of Missouri.

When she’s not running or playing soccer, Joanie spends her time with her husband and 11-year-old son.

OVERLAND PARK, KS — As the baking industry grapples with a dwindling workforce, BEMA is helping its members champion the industry’s future leaders. The association’s new scholarship program, BEMA Ascend, is designed to help up-and-coming professionals gain elevated industry exposure through networking and education at the BEMA Convention.

“Convention is a great way for our members and baker guests to connect and learn,” said Kerwin Brown, BEMA president and CEO. “With the industry’s critical need for professional development, this scholarship is a way to help bring along the next generation of leadership.”

Scholarship nominees will be evaluated based on exceptional leadership skills and a demonstrated commitment to a solid career in the baking industry. BEMA Ascend recipients will receive a paid registration to BEMA Convention 2022, to be held June 22-25 at the Del Coronado in San Diego, or full access to BEMA Convention Workforce Edition.

“With the industry’s critical need for professional development, this scholarship is a way to help bring along the next generation of leadership.” —Kerwin Brown | president and CEO | BEMA

BEMA’s Membership Value and Engagement Committee developed the BEMA Ascend scholarship to assist members in not only finding critical business solutions but also to deepen engagement for member companies.

“Creating engagement for the industry’s next generation is an important focus for the committee,” said Kelly Allen, BEMA’s senior manager of membership and meetings, and the committee’s staff liaison. “They did a tremendous job in developing the scholarship to accomplish that goal.”

Members can nominate employees and learn more about the Convention on the BEMA website.

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