Through a First-Timer’s Eyes: The 2026 SHFM W.I.S.E. Event

Alexa and Raquel (left), attended the evening reception after the first day.

The 2026 Society for Hospitality and Foodservice Management (SHFM) W.I.S.E. Experience took place from March 18-19, in Boston, MA. The annual event, now in its third year, was founded by our own, Raquel Weiss Fusco, Vice President of Business Development, during her SHFM presidency. W.I.S.E. was created as a space where women across the foodservice and hospitality industries could gather, be seen, speak honestly, learn from one another and leave more grounded and empowered than when they arrived. This year, Raquel attended the event, along with Senior Project Designer, Alexa Astacio.

Since it was Alexa’s first time participating in W.I.S.E, we took some time to discuss the conference with her.

What was it like attending the event for the first time?

It was a great experience, and I was able to network with a lot of different groups. The event empowers women to do what they want in life and just go for it.

There were several good speakers that I enjoyed. Greta Patel, President of LifeWorks Restaurant Group, told the intriguing story of how she tried various career paths and kept returning to her current company because she found that they gave her everything she was looking for.

Bevin Mugford, CEO of Inspire Corps., discussed how to move forward in life and in your career when going through something extremely difficult. I found this to be a very eye-opening talk because it’s not often considered and Bevin offered some good tips.

Molly Hunt, CEO of Ty Boyd, taught us how to public speak effectively and these instructions were helpful to know for future situations I will be involved in.

I also really enjoyed the session, “Late Night with SHFM,” which was styled like a late-night talk show and featured five former SHFM women presidents (including Raquel). They spoke candidly about their journeys as women in their careers, sharing honest experiences, challenges and successes. Their conversation was filled with thoughtful advice, encouragement and powerful, woman-centered insights that felt both relatable and incredibly empowering for everyone in the room.

What was your favorite part?

It was really cool to be surrounded by all these thriving women in one place. It was nice to hear that many of them can successfully balance a career and children and it made me feel empowered to go and get what I want from life.

I also really enjoyed the evening receptions. We got to see a beautiful sunset from the UMass Club and network some more after the first day, and we played indoor mini golf the second night, which was really fun.

Did you learn anything that surprised you?

I was shocked that many women working in the 1980’s had to choose between a having a career and having children. It was rare for women to be able to choose both. It shows the growth we have in society today that so many women can have their career and a family.

What are your overall thoughts?

I’m grateful to Raquel for taking me under her wing at this event. It was an eye-opening experience for me to attend and I’m glad she recommended it to me. The shared stories I heard and the connections I made really helped me feel empowered in my career and life.

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In addition to Alexa’s thoughts, we want to congratulate Helene Kennan on receiving the first Trailblazer Award in memory of our dear and deeply missed friend, Bobbi Capps. Bobbi was a founding member of W.I.S.E who embodied courage, generosity, and leadership.