Kiyo (Kay) Ueda Hiatt (1926-2020) was a pioneer in the Florida Citrus Industry. She was one of the first women executives in the fresh produce business and wielded tremendous influence during her career. As one of the top sales agents of Florida citrus, she played a leading role in the tremendous growth of exports to Japan in the 1970’s to the 1990’s.
Kay was a first-generation Japanese American citizen born in Fife, Washington. Following the bombing of Pearl Harbor, Kay’s family was forced into an internment camp along with tens of thousands of other Japanese Americans. But she rose above the injustice and indignity of the long three years there to persevere and achieve success in the business world.
Against great odds, she was accepted to Bucknell University soon after being released from the internment camp. After marrying Roy Hiatt, they moved to Florida where she began working at a citrus packinghouse grading fruit. Because of her insatiable appetite for learning, she queried employees in other departments at the packinghouse and gained a deep understanding about the overall operation. Soon, her curiosity paid off and she was asked to run the shipping office. That experience led to an offer to join the sales desk. In a few short years, she was promoted to sales manager.
Kay was known for her keen intellect and love of language. She was a voracious reader and a talented writer. Kay was an iron-willed woman full of strength and stamina tempered by patience and self-sacrifice.
Kiyo Ueda - circa 1942
Working in the FL citrus industry, circa 1973
Flag folding ceremony for Roy C. Hiatt, circa 2018
S. Ueda Trucking business, WA, circa 1920
Sadaichi Ueda (driver's seat), Sadako Ueda held by Tomeno Ueda, Tom T. Ueda,
Ruth Haruko Ueda, Shigeachi Ueda
Ueda family, Fife, WA, Circa 1930 (L to R, back row) Ruth Haruko Ueda, Sadaichi Ueda, Tom T. Ueda, Shigeachi Ueda (L to R, front row) Sadie Sadako Ueda, Kiyo Ueda, Tomeno Ueda holding Herbert Tomatsu Ueda,
June Ueda
Cynthia Benedetto, daughter and Contributing Editor Produce Buzz