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DCS backs Women of the Vine & Spirits
The Distilled Spirits Council has partnered with Women of the Vine & Spirits as the organisation seeks to further its work in providing personal development and career opportunities for women in the drinks trade.
The Distilled Spirits Council has partnered with Women of the Vine & Spirits
The Council has submitted 11 staff for Women of the Vine & Spirits membership, and president Kraig R Naasz will moderate a panel discussion at the upcoming Women of the Vine & Spirits Global Symposium, held in Napa Valley from 13-15 March.
“We are honoured to support Women of the Vine & Spirits and its mission to advance professional development of women within the wine and spirits sectors,” said Naasz. “From master distiller to spirits executive, women play a critical role in the continued growth and success of our sector.”
He also commended Women of the Vine & Spirits founder and president Deborah Brenner for expanding the remit of the organisation in 2016 to include women spirits professionals.
“Deborah is advancing an admirable cause in the beverage alcohol community by creating a forum for women to network, exchange ideas and foster mentoring relationships,” Naasz continued.
Brenner commented: “Women of the Vine & Spirits is the only trade organisation to advance and support the careers of women in the alcohol beverage industry.
“Until now, there has never been a forum for women in all sectors to come together to strengthen ties through opportunities such as regional networking events, discussion forums, educational resources and the Annual Women of the Vine & Spirits Global Symposium. I am pleased to welcome the Distilled Spirits Council as one of our valued partners in this shared mission.”
The 11 Council staff members put forward to join Women of the Vine & Spirits are Bridget Allshouse, director of legal affairs; Carla Budesinsky Santillan, administrative coordinator; Emily Burk Smith, manager of state government relations; Michele Famiglietti, senior vice president of member relations; Lisa Hawkins, vice president of public affairs; Christine LoCascio, senior vice president of international affairs; Kelley McDonough, director of public relations; Christal Mirabal, executive assistant to the president and CEO; Lynne Omlie, general counsel; Kelly Poulsen, vice president of federal government relations; and Kyna Ricks, manager of accounting.
Last year the Distilled Spirits Council has dropped its acronym – Discus – in an effort to “modernise the association’s public presence”.