April 2025

MENTORSHIP

IN ACTION

Finding the right guidance can make all the difference in a career—just ask the participants of ASB’s first-ever Mentoring Program cohort. 

Running from October to March, the program aimed to bridge the gap between emerging and established professionals through structured mentoring relationships, offering guidance, support, and opportunities to learn and grow within the industry. 

The Power of Mentorship
Both mentees and mentors have shared how transformative the experience was. Mentees gained confidence, refined their career goals, and developed critical leadership skills, while mentors found fulfillment in sharing their expertise and gaining fresh perspectives.  

"Being part of the mentoring program has been an invaluable experience. It has provided me with guidance, insight, and practical knowledge that have helped me grow both personally and professionally. I’ve gained confidence in my abilities, learned new strategies for success, and built meaningful connections." — Tracey West, Irresistible Pound Cakes, Mentee 

Mentorship plays a crucial role in shaping the future of the baking industry, creating space for knowledge-sharing and connection. Unlike technical training, this initiative focuses on leadership development, career navigation, and professional growth—areas that are essential for sustaining a strong workforce. With no other formal mentorship programs currently available in the baking industry, ASB is proud to lead the way in this area.

Get Involved: Next Cohort Starts Soon! 
The next cohort of the ASB Mentoring Program begins in June 2025, with applications opening April 16th. This five-month virtual program matches participants based on their goals and experience, providing structured support, online training, and other resources.

Ready to take the next step in your career or give back to the baking community? Explore full program details and sign up for our upcoming Information Session Webinar below:

One Week Left: Submit Your BakingTECH

2026 Session Ideas!

The countdown is on! The Call for Content for BakingTECH 2026 closes in just one week—don’t miss your chance to be part of the industry’s leading baking conference, returning to Chicago February 17–19, 2026. We’re looking for innovative, future-focused topics in areas like AI, regulatory compliance, sustainability, personalized nutrition, and more. 

Have an idea that can drive progress and spark industry conversations? 

April 9th

Webinar: Innovations in

Gluten-Free Baking

Join us for the second webinar in our series in partnership with IFT where we will explore the latest advancements in gluten-free baking, from ingredient functionality to formulation techniques. Industry experts will discuss how alternative grains can enhance texture and flavor in products like pan bread, pizza crust, and biscotti. 

April 24th

Webinar: Breaking Into

Automation 

Explore how bakeries can streamline production, enhance efficiency, and boost profitability with scalable automation solutions in this sponsored webinar. Experts from Harpak-ULMA will discuss the latest advancements in packaging automation, vision inspection systems, and strategies that can increase productivity by up to 22%

May 5th

Webinar: Baking Industry

Workforce Trends

Discover the latest insights on recruitment, retention, and training from the newly expanded 2025 Workforce Gap in U.S. Commercial Baking Study, presented by ABA, ASB, and IDDBA. This webinar will unveil key findings from part one of the study, addressing today’s top workforce challenges and trends.

June 2nd

IDDBA Casual Meet-Up 

Looking to connect with fellow baking professionals during IDDBA in New Orleans? Join ASB for a casual meet-up over coffee and beignets at the iconic Café Du Monde, June 2 at 7:30 AM! It’s the perfect opportunity to relax, network, and enjoy a taste of the city before heading to your sessions.

Grain Foods Research Institute, the 501c3 non-profit affiliate of the Grain Foods Foundation, has released its first white paper: History and Public Health Benefits of Enrichment and Fortification of Refined Grains.  

This initiative originated from a review of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2025-2030 process as well as the final Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee scientific report, both of which revealed opportunities for education around enriched and fortified grain foods. Target audiences for the paper include public health experts, nutrition scientists, policy-makers, and stakeholders all along the grain foods value chain, including those team members manufacturing and marketing grain foods.

In the white paper, GFRI sets the record straight about where enrichment and fortification originated as well as about the successes they have been for public health in America.

Learn more and access the paper here.

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

Catherin Herrera

Director of Baking Technology

North America Grupo Bimbo

This month, we celebrate Catherin Herrera, an accomplished baking professional and dedicated industry advocate whose career spans nearly 20 years. Catherin currently serves as Director of Baking Technology, Commercialization and Baking Technical Leader for North America Grupo Bimbo. With 8.5 years at Grupo Bimbo, her influence and leadership continue to grow across the region. 

Catherin’s career journey is rooted in deep technical knowledge and a passion for innovation. She previously served as a Baking Instructor for Latin America with AIB, worked as an Applications Specialist for Industries at Puratos, and led R&D and Quality for Carrefour Colombia. She holds a Master of Science in Food Science and Human Nutrition, combining academic excellence with real-world impact in global baking operations. 

In 2024, Catherin was honored as ASB’s Rising Baker Award recipient—a testament to her leadership, expertise, and contributions to the baking industry. She is currently a member of the BakingTECH 2026 Planning Committee and also serves on the ASB Mentoring Program Review Group, helping to shape and guide this growing initiative. Additionally, she participated in the 2024-25 Mentoring Program as a mentor, sharing her expertise with emerging professionals across the industry. 

Catherin’s international perspective, technical strength, and commitment to mentorship make her a valued member of the baking community. Her ability to bridge innovation with practical application ensures lasting impact for both the companies she serves and the future leaders she inspires. 

Thank you, Catherin, for your remarkable dedication and continued contributions to the baking industry. We’re proud to recognize your leadership and look forward to what’s ahead!

American Society of Baking | 1415 Shelby Street, Suite A | Indianapolis, IN 46203 US

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