Have you faced challenges as a woman in a leadership position in what’ s still a maledominated industry?
I feel blessed to have been surrounded by a network of industry individuals who have supported and encouraged my growth. But I also think that’ s a result of choosing to align myself with people and companies that truly value my voice, strategy and contributions. Challenges exist, but building the right network around you makes the difference.
How has your company benefited from having women at the table making decisions?
I do believe diversity in leadership adds balance and perspective. It strengthens collaboration, improves problem-solving and better reflects the diverse consumers we serve. Ultimately, I believe I ' ve been impactful for stronger, more well-rounded business decisions.
Do you think the beverage alcohol industry has improved as far as women and gender inclusion in the past five years?
Absolutely. I remember attending my first Women of the Vine symposium, maybe a decade ago, and seeing 700 + women. It felt empowering but also eye-opening:“ Are these the only women in the industry?” Fast forward to today, I’ ve worked with teams that are predominantly women and sit in meetings with women at the table. It’ s encouraging to see how inclusiveness has shaped our industry landscape. And I believe( and hope) this progress will only continue. We can’ t move backward now!
What advice do you have for other women looking to get into the beverage alcohol industry?
Perseverance. Don’ t give up! It took me a full year of“ no’ s” to get my first“ yes” in the industry. Looking back, I remember thinking I was perfect for roles
I didn’ t get, but now I understand why those paths didn’ t work out. When the right job and company find you, it will all make sense. We’ re often conditioned to believe opportunities are scarce, but the world is big, and there’ s a place for you. Keep moving through with perseverance and hold on to possibility. When you hold on to that, the possibilities are endless.
CHRISTINE COONEY
CEO, Heavenly Spirits LLC
How did you first get started in the beverage alcohol industry?
My answer is a quote from an article recently published in Taste of France magazine: " Heavenly Spirits LLC, officially incorporated in 2008 and based in Massachusetts, had its roots planted long before its formal founding. The spark that eventually led to the creation of this acclaimed importer of fine French spirits can be traced back to the childhood of Christine Foubert Cooney. During her summer vacations in the small village of Saint-Jean-de-Liversay, nestled in the Charentes region of France— part of the Cognac appellation— Christine spent cherished days with her grandparents, Amedée and Marguerite Foubert. Her grandfather,‘ Papy’ Amedée, served as the village mayor and managed a diverse agricultural operation that included livestock, crops and a winery. He also distilled eau de vie on the property."
Did you have a mentor in the industry? Have you been a mentor to others?
I could say that my grandfather was my very first mentor. He is the one who taught me all about wine and spirits, including Armagnac, at a very young age.
He also taught me about business as I witnessed him running his wine merchant company.
I don’ t think I have had any other specific mentors but did find inspiration from many kindred spirits in the industry, people I felt respect and trust for and from whom I drew industry knowledge, information and tips. Paul Pacult and his wife Sue come to mind. Working with experienced industry professionals on the way up enabled me to acquire a more balanced set of skills that I could apply to growing our import and distribution business.
I’ m not sure if I have been a mentor to others, but I would hope my diligence, integrity and passion inspired others by example.
Have you faced challenges as a woman in a leadership position in what’ s still a male-dominated industry?
Of course! From my very first job in this industry almost 40 years ago until now, still.
My first boss( a man), could not fathom why I would not want to remain working as his trilingual export assistant for life, and why I aspired to something bigger in the spirits industry. And today, some people I talk to while traveling and promoting our Heavenly Spirits portfolio seem very surprised to learn that I am an owner of a highly respected import and distribution company. If my husband( and partner) and I walk around a trade show together, my husband would often be the one who is first addressed and given attention.
How has your company benefited from having women at the table making decisions?
In addition to being a woman, I am a university-educated French woman, as well as a former professional ballet
2025 WOMEN IN BEVERAGE 13