Women in Beverage 2025 | Page 16

Did you have a mentor in the industry? Have you been a mentor to others?

I’ ve learned so much simply by listening and observing at trade shows, networking events and brand gatherings— there’ s inspiration everywhere. Some of the most valuable guidance has come from the collective of incredible women who co-lead Women Leading Rum & Spirits with me, as well as Daniel Fábrega, my boss at Ron Abuelo, and respected industry colleagues like Alexandra Alfaro( Corporate Marketing Director at Licores de Guatemala), Federico Hernández( CEO of The Rum Lab) and Walter Aguilar( Luxury Brand Strategist), and their experience, leadership and passion for the category have helped shape my journey in the world of spirits.

And yes, I say with pride that I’ ve become a mentor to others. It’ s incredibly rewarding. Through my work with Women Leading Rum & Spirits, which now includes mentoring programs and global conferences, I hope I’ m showing others— especially women— that with passion, vision and teamwork, you can go far. Our community thrives on sharing knowledge and lifting each other.

Have you faced challenges as a woman in a leadership position in what’ s still a maledominated industry?

Of course, challenges exist and interestingly, sometimes the toughest critics have been other women. As for men, yes, some have questioned my expertise in rum or my opinions in strategic conversations. But honestly, I don’ t let that get to me. No one knows it all. We’ re all learning, always.

I’ ve found that respect is reciprocal. I approach people with kindness, humility and professionalism, and that’ s what I receive in return. I’ m fortunate to be surrounded by supportive

men and women who champion one another. I also welcome constructive criticism as it helps me grow. That’ s one of the reasons Women Leading Rum & Spirits exists. We need more spaces where women feel safe, seen and empowered to lead, question and grow with confidence. We are that community.

How has your company benefited from having women at the table making decisions?

Immensely. Having women involved in decision-making brings a more complete, well-rounded perspective whether in tasting, blend development, branding, marketing or strategic planning.

Women naturally bring depth, empathy and vision. We take a seed and help it blossom; we nurture talent, ideas and brands into something bigger and more meaningful. That’ s the power of balance and diversity in any leadership room.

This is what we cultivate at Women Leading Rum & Spirits, a culture where women ' s voices aren’ t just heard but are shaping the future of the industry. Our projects, events and partnerships reflect that belief every day.

Do you think the beverage alcohol industry has improved in terms of gender inclusion over the past five years?

Absolutely. We’ re seeing more women in leadership roles across all departments from chemistry to sales, marketing and operations. The industry is evolving, and women are playing a critical role in that transformation.

We are well-educated, committed and bringing fresh energy to the table. Inclusion is no longer a trend— it’ s becoming the norm, and that’ s something to celebrate.

Through Women Leading Rum & Spirits, we amplify these stories of progress and make sure this momentum continues. Our conferences, awards and educational programs are shaping an inclusive future, one woman at a time.

What advice do you have for other women looking to enter the beverage alcohol industry?

• Study

• Stay curious

• Surround yourself with good people and honest brands

• Work with passion

• Practice teamwork and sorority

• Find mentors and one day, be one

With consistency, integrity and heart, you’ ll get there. You’ ll rise. And when you do, you’ ll bring others with you.

And if you’ re looking for a place to start, Women Leading Rum & Spirits is here for you. We’ re more than a platform, we’ re a movement. We offer mentoring, training, recognition, and above all, sisterhood. Join us, we’ re building the future together.

Founder and Principal of Strategic Wine Solutions

How did you initially get started in the beverage alcohol industry? What pushed you to join?

In management consulting, you spend a lot of time interacting with senior executives. To avoid handing over the wine list at every business dinner, I began learning about wine – and realized I loved it.

From the beginning, I was surprised by the number of parallels between music and wine. As a classically trained pianist, I equated a musical score to a vineyard, both are fixed compositions that are then interpreted by a performer or in this case, a winemaker. And the metaphors continued: the years of dedicated practice required to become good;

16 2025 WOMEN IN BEVERAGE