In September, Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America (WSWA) concluded its 2025 Women’s Leadership Council (WLC) Conference in Washington D.C, bringing together current and emerging women leaders from across the wholesale tier of the beverage alcohol industry for two days of education, networking, leadership development and strategic insight.
Over the course of the event, attendees participated in interactive sessions focused on advocacy, innovation, data-driven decision making, wellness and leadership in times of change, according to the organization.
“This year’s WLC Conference reaffirms our commitment to not only amplify women’s voices in the wholesale tier but also delivering actionable leadership tools that drive both personal growth and business success in a rapidly evolving industry. When we invest in empowerment, mentorship and data, we prepare our leaders to meet both the challenges and the opportunities before us with confidence,” said WSWA senior vice president of member advocacy Catherine McDaniel in a news release.
Empowering Women Leaders
Keynote addresses and panels at the conference featured distinguished voices including Phyllis Wilson, president of the Military Women’s Memorial, Congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks, M.D., Lieutenant General Mary O’Brien (United States Air Force, Retired), Lieutenant General Lori Reynolds (United States Marine Core, Retired), Swathi Young, Edyta Satchell, and others.
Focused sessions ranged from “Empower: How to Stand Out While Fitting In” to “AI Uncorked: How Artificial Intelligence is Reshaping the Beverage Industry,” equipping women with tools for navigating advancing market trends and organizational complexity. Attendees also took part in philanthropic and networking events, according to the organization, including a visit to the Military Women’s Memorial at Arlington National Cemetery.
In addition to thought leadership, the conference provided tactical sessions including a fireside chat with SipSource leadership, offering market forecasting and analytic strategies. Attendees also heard from president of Opici Family Distributing, immediate past WSWA chairwoman and the inaugural WLC chairwoman Dina Opici on the strategic and legislative priorities of the association and how WSWA’s mission directly impacts the strength and future of the wholesale tier, according to the organization.
“The energy, collaboration and insight at this year’s gathering were nothing short of inspiring. Seeing women from all levels from rising professionals to seasoned executives come together, share their journeys and chart new paths forward is exactly what the WLC is meant to foster. I’m leaving this conference more hopeful and more driven to continue building spaces where leadership is inclusive and transformative,” said Laura DePasquale, MS, chair of WSWA’s Women’s Leadership Council and senior vice president of commercial operations, artisanal wines at Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits, in the release.
The Distilled Spirits Council (DISCUS) has partnered with Badass Bartender, a global network of more than 55,000 professional bartenders, aimed at supporting, promoting and unifying the bartending trade.
Badass Bartender was created by Women of the Vine & Spirits in 2020 as a private Facebook Group for women bartenders, according to DISCUS. The forum was created to share best practices, network and foster a dialogue on issues impacting the hospitality industry.
“The important advocacy work DISCUS does for the beverage alcohol industry positively impacts bars and restaurants, including the hundreds of thousands of bartenders they employ,” said Deborah Brenner, Badass Bartender creator and Women of the Vine & Spirits founder and CEO, in a news release. “Working together, we aim to create opportunities for all bartenders who master their craft, lead with flair and embody true badassery behind the bar.”
DISCUS and Badass Bartender will collaborate on initiatives designed to educate, engage and promote bartenders in the U.S and worldwide, according to DISCUS. These efforts will include specialized programming, events, advocacy campaigns and promotional spotlights that highlight the vital role bartenders play in shaping the spirits industry and elevating the guest experience.
“This new alliance celebrates the critical role that bartenders play as ambassadors for the hospitality industry,” said Distilled Spirits Council president and CEO Chris Swonger in the release. “In restaurants and bars across the country, bartenders are leading the way in enriching the consumer experience and enhancing the enjoyment of spirits and well-crafted cocktails. We are excited to join forces to amplify bartenders’ voices on issues that are important to them while also featuring the ‘badass’ work they do every day for our industry.”
Women Leading Rum, a global platform championing women in the industry, has evolved into Women Leading Rum & Spirits, reflecting a broader mission to unite and elevate women across all spirits categories.
“As the industry grows and diversifies, so must we,” says Larissa Arjona, president and co-founder of Women Leading Rum & Spirits. “This transformation reflects the vital role women play throughout the entire spirits chain—from production and innovation to marketing and leadership. It’s about building a stronger, more inclusive community.”
Accompanying the transition is a complete rebrand by creative firm Studio Guild. Led by founder Trish Dunstone, the new identity is centered on a fluid ampersand (“&”) that embodies inclusion, connection and continual growth—core values of the expanded platform.
At its core, Women Leading Rum & Spirits is an organization that encourages women’s achievements across the spirits sector, provides training and professional development opportunities to strengthen leadership, encourages networking and builds community-led initiatives that empower female leadership.
Previously only catering to the rum industry, the rebranded organization will continue to offer education, networking and leadership development to women across the full spectrum of spirits.
“Diversity is necessary for both our organization and our industry,” Arjona says. “In order to truly transform this industry, the inclusion of women and diverse leaders not only breaks down many barriers but also redefines what it means to be a part of spirits. Each voice offers a unique vision or perspective that enriches innovation.”
A cornerstone of Women Leading Rum & Spirits’ next chapter is the launch of an international mentorship program, designed to connect emerging professionals with seasoned leaders. The program will provide personalized sessions, skill-building opportunities and enhanced industry visibility.
“This is a moment of unity and momentum,” says Arjona.