BEVERAGE INDUSTRY INCLUSION
are fairly unknown . I was lucky to meet a friend that introduced me to this world , and I ’ ve been in a beverage leadership role at global hotel companies for just over 12 years .
DID YOU HAVE A MENTOR IN THE INDUSTRY ? HAVE YOU BEEN A MENTOR TO OTHERS ?
I am lucky enough to have had several mentors throughout my career , and still speak with many of them today . Though I wish I had a female mentor to speak with 20 years ago that would help me in navigating the corporate culture , building relationships , and in general , how to be my best self in a sea of male leaders .
I hope to provide that for someone , and am part of the mentorship program at IHG , and also unofficially a mentor to others within and outside of the organization . Being a mentor has made me a better listener and better leader to our teams , because it ’ s not at all about me . It ’ s about them , their career , and being there in whatever capacity they need at the time .
HAVE YOU FACED CHALLENGES AS A WOMAN IN A LEADERSHIP POSITION IN WHAT ’ S STILL A MALE- DOMINATED INDUSTRY ?
Of course ! I think many of us still do . While there are now a lot of women in the industry , many of the top leadership roles are still held by men . I think the challenges are slightly different today than they were 20 years ago , however with the same underlying root : change .
The world and this industry will continue to evolve , as it has done for thousands of years . To be successful in this dynamic industry is to embrace the change .
HOW HAS YOUR COMPANY BENEFITED FROM HAVING WOMEN AT THE TABLE MAKING DECISIONS ?
The decisions made are now more inclusive , and for a larger audience . For example , females are an increasing percentage of business travelers . While not everyone fits in the stereotype , the needs and wants are different when it comes to travel goods , security , and meal preferences . By having women at the table , we ’ re able to create those curated experiences for our guests .
Specifically for our beverage programs , we have a group of male and female leaders blind-tasting products and discussing them . We have a wellrounded program , and our cocktail and wine menus are developed for a variety of flavor profiles and preferences , appealing to everyone , and leaning in to some of those indulgent moments that are sought after by our guests .
DO YOU THINK THE BEVERAGE ALCOHOL INDUSTRY HAS IMPROVED AS FAR AS WOMEN AND GENDER DEI IN THE PAST FIVE YEARS ?
I do think it has improved over the years with mentors and the many programs that have helped to support women in their goals . It ’ s also important to recognize the success of others , and to provide opportunities for those interested to enter the industry . Organizations like Batonnage , Wine Empowered , Women of the Vine & Spirits , and so many more to mention , all contribute to this success .
There is still more work to be done in this area – just because a woman cleans the wine tanks at night doesn ’ t mean you have a diverse winemaking team . To be truly diverse means you have representation throughout the organization and the decision-making opportunities .
WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR PEOPLE ( WOMEN IN PARTICULAR ) LOOKING TO GET INTO THE BEVERAGE ALCOHOL INDUSTRY ?
Firstly – even if you don ’ t think you are qualified , apply . I ’ m sure you ’ ve heard the statistic about how men and women view applying for their next job . I don ’ t know how this statistic has changed over the past few years : Men apply for a job when they meet only 60 % of the qualifications , but women apply only if they meet 100 % of them .
In many cases , our industry hires for passion , not always past experience . Passion , respect for others , respect for the craft , and how you view your learning journey is what we look for .
You can learn beverage skills and improve your knowledge of the subject by taking classes , earning certifications , and working with others . Just by eating and drinking at restaurants and trying new things , you ’ re already gaining valuable insight ! And don ’ t be afraid to take a job that is not your forever job in order to gain valuable skills . If you don ’ t like it , move on , and add it to your resume only if you want to . Don ’ t take up space in someone else ’ s dream job !
KATHIE DURBIN
DIRECTOR , MONTGOMERY COUNTY ALCOHOL BEVERAGE SERVICES IN GAITHERSBURG , MD
HOW DID YOU GET INTO THE BEVERAGE ALCOHOL BUSINESS ?
After graduating high school , I began working at a friend ' s restaurant waiting tables . On my second day , I was unexpectedly asked to bartend , and from that moment I fell in love with the hospitality industry .
This passion led me to various roles within the industry , including managing restaurants , developing in-house responsible beverage service training programs , serving as executive director of the Montgomery County Restaurant Association and providing regulatory and legislative support for local businesses . Through these experiences , and others , I developed a profound appreciation for the alcohol beverage industry and its role in hospitality , which continues to shape my career .
DID YOU HAVE A MENTOR IN THE INDUSTRY ?
10 Beverage Industry Inclusion 2024