Two members of the branded merchandise industry will be experiencing PPAI’s Women’s Leadership Conference for the first time this year thanks to the generosity of their peers.
Sara Salazar, founder and brand strategist at Las Vegas-based distributor BrandRave Marketing, and Kash Herbert, director of global product development and quality assurance at S&S Activewear, PPAI 100’s No. 2 supplier, have been awarded the WLC First-Time Attendee Scholarship.
- Due to the funds raised at WLC 2025, the scholarship covers the cost of registration, lodging and up to a $500 flight reimbursement.
“It’s an honor to have applied, been nominated and awarded a scholarship to attend WLC,” Herbert says. “I’m thankful to the committee for selecting me as one of the recipients.”
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Salazar is also honored to be selected. “Receiving this scholarship is especially meaningful to me as a solo distributor and founder,” she says. “Building BrandRave Marketing has taught me that leadership is about more than growing a business. It’s about building relationships, creating opportunities and making a meaningful impact within the industry and the communities we serve.”
Herbert’s Background
Hailing from the Caribbean, Herbert has been in the merch industry for nearly a decade, holding her current position at alphabroder before it was acquired by S&S.
Kash Herbert
Director of Global Product Development & QA, S&S Activewear
As an MBA-trained leader and strategic product development executive with over 20 years of experience across global apparel and lifestyle brands, she specializes in product creation, technical design and quality strategy. Excelling at building and mentoring global teams, she has been recognized for innovative and proactive problem solving along with a collaborative leadership style.
“At WLC, I’m most looking forward to impactful conversations, leadership development, hearing from inspiring speakers and making meaningful peer connections,” Herbert says.
Salazar’s Background
Salazar broke into the merch industry a decade ago, working as operations and client support manager at Pro Towels (PPAI 112755, Gold), PPAI 100’s No. 51 supplier. In 2023, she launched BrandRave, a creative studio focused on curated merch, intentional branding and memorable brand experiences.
Sara Salazar
Founder & Brand Strategist, BrandRave Marketing
Salazar says she’s most looking forward to connecting with other women leaders who are willing to share their experiences, lessons learned and perspectives during WLC.
“Some of the most valuable growth happens through those conversations,” she says, “and I’m excited to be part of a community that values collaboration, mentorship and supporting one another’s success.
“As a first-generation Latina entrepreneur, representation and community matter deeply to me. I’m grateful for the opportunity to learn from accomplished women across the industry and bring those insights back to my business, the organizations I support and the communities I serve. I hope to use those experiences to continue creating opportunities, fostering meaningful connections and expanding visibility for women who may not traditionally see themselves represented in industry leadership.”
Register Now For WLC 2026
WLC is the place to make connections, toast the PPAI Woman of Achievement and broaden horizons on everything from corporate finance to AI and the value of keeping a beginner’s mindset.
This year’s conference will be held June 22-24 at Saint Kate – The Arts Hotel in Milwaukee.
- The registration fee for members is $1,600 and $2,000 for non-members.
Click here to register.
