with distributors and retail partners. We want to add value but also think and ask constantly,‘ How do we build a wave of true collaboration to get people to buy into the brand?’
Do you think the beverage alcohol industry has improved as far as women and gender inclusion in the past five years?
I think it’ s become a lot more of a conversation. There was an effort to diversify the industry following George Floyd’ s death in 2020 and that extended to the promotion of women in the industry. I’ ve seen some of those inclusions get pulled back, but the good news is that just because a lot of those formal programs don’ t exist to the same degree doesn’ t mean they haven’ t had an impact.
I do believe the industry is changing slowly. I’ m hopeful that people are starting to realize that if you invite women, BIPOC or people who are typically underrepresented in the industry to the table, it doesn’ t mean that you’ re giving up your seat at the table, you’ re growing the table and expanding your piece of the pie of what’ s economically possible.
What advice do you have for other women looking to get into the beverage alcohol industry?
Find your tribe. We can’ t do this alone. This is an extremely complex industry and building brands in this space is highly demanding. You need to find great, strong people you can rely on and who can be your advocate.
BARBARA WONG
Chef / Sommelier at Le Bernardin
How did you first get started in the beverage alcohol industry?
It was a natural process for me. Post-college, I was getting more interested in wine and other beverages and started working in serious dining establishments. I was really gravitating towards the connection that guests and I would have during conversations about any beverage. It ' s such a special connection for me.
Did you have a mentor in the industry? Have you been a mentor to others?
Aldo Sohm is my mentor in this industry. Not just as a beverage professional, but also how to live a balanced and healthy lifestyle within this industry. Throughout the years, I have also learned by watching and observing others; I think this is one of the best ways to learn anything. I also have the privilege of mentoring others. It ' s a big responsibility but I love to see people grow.
Have you faced challenges as a woman in a leadership position in what’ s still a male-dominated industry?
Less now. But as I was coming up in this industry about 15 years ago, definitely. I had to work more and be more knowledgeable to other men, just to be considered an equal. I ' m glad to see that things are continually changing for the better.
How has your company benefited from having women at the table making decisions?
I think as women, we have the capacity to see the entire picture. Not just seeing a project that is in front of us, but what comes before the project and afterwards. I especially believe in efficiency and organization to increase productivity. I am very in tune with people ' s inner emotions and the unspoken and I try to be as fair as possible with every member of the team.
Do you think the beverage alcohol industry has improved
as far as women and gender inclusion in the past five years?
I definitely think so. We offer a different point of view from men.
And the more ' views ' are in the pot, the more we can foster an inclusive environment. Overall, the work environment becomes more positive and collaborative.
What advice do you have for other women looking to get into the beverage alcohol industry?
Get noticed for your hard work, first and foremost. Being a woman in this industry is a very special and powerful role. Give yourself and others the opportunity to face any fear with grace and humility.
DEE ROBINSON
Founder, Good Trouble Bourbon
How did you first get started in the beverage alcohol industry?
In some ways, the industry found me. I’ m a restaurant owner, operating restaurants around the country. I love drinking bourbon, but when I attended a tasting one day, my whole world changed because in that moment, I was understanding the complexities of the spirit.
My curiosity sometimes gets me in trouble. I began studying craft distilling and then decided, why not make it? Creating bourbon is a combination of art and science, appealing to both sides of my brain. But I knew that if I was
2025 WOMEN IN BEVERAGE 19