WSAWA’s Women’s Leadership Council 2024 Mentorship Program Comes to a Close

Aug 01, 2024

Washington, D.C.

Twenty-one women-mentor matches representing 13 wine and spirits wholesaler companies completed the program.

WASHINGTON, D.C., 08/01/2024 -Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America (WSWA) announced today the conclusion of the 2024 Women's Leadership Council (WLC) Mentorship Program. Forty-two participants, representing 13 WSWA wholesaler member companies, completed this six month, cross-company program with a total of 21 matches.

In its fourth year, this rewarding program continues to gain momentum. By completing the mentorship program, the women gain professional development, peer to peer allyship, career growth, fortitude and connectivity to mentors with years of experience.

"The WLC Mentorship Program came at just the right point in my career journey. Being mid-career and newer to the industry I needed guidance on how to navigate my next steps," said Jamie Howe, Senior Program Manager, Syndicated Data & Analytics, Breakthru Beverage Group.

"Through this mentorship I reframed my point-of-view that career moves are not always a ladder, but a lattice. More importantly though, my mentor coached me through how I could translate my experience for roles I was interested in and build my confidence to go after a new opportunity. I am happy to report that during my mentorship journey I did pursue a new opportunity and got the job! As I reflect on this mentorship program, I can confidently say I experienced tangible results both personally and professionally. Thank you to the WSWA WLC Mentor Program leaders and especially my mentor," she added.

Mary Hof, Sales Manager, Fine Wine Division, United Distributors said of her experience, "To me, the WLC Mentorship Program provided more than just tips and best practices. There was a distinct connection among the women, and specifically between me and my mentor, Amy, that made me feel empowered and supported by a wide network of dynamic women. I learned a lot about myself, the beverage alcohol industry, and the value of a strong network - and I look forward to years of growth alongside many of my new friends. I appreciate the opportunity to participate, and all the hard work that it takes to organize so many people across so many businesses."

"Regarding the value of the WLC Mentorship Program, I'm walking away with a sense of gratitude for having been chosen to be a part of the program," said Gina Parenti, Vice President Portfolio Management, Winebow. "The value of the program lies in the connections we made and the knowledge that I was able to do for someone else what many others have done for me. Helping my mentee to find ways to feel confidant and knowledgeable and hearing her stories of success month after month made me feel proud to be a part of her journey of personal growth. I hope that she took away from this program as much as I did. In helping others, we also tend to learn a lot about ourselves as well. WSWA did a great job in preparing both the mentors and the mentees with pre-program zoom meetings outlining objectives and expectations as well as the "do's & don'ts" for both parties. I would highly recommend this program to all women leaders in the industry. It is an opportunity to help encourage the future leaders of our industry and it connects you with someone you otherwise would not have the opportunity to meet."

Mary Montgomery-Derosa, Director of Credit, Allied Beverage Group shared: "After many years of working with so many intuitive women, and a first-time mentor in the WLC Mentorship Program, I can honestly say that this program gave me such a personalized perspective to do more. I am coming up on my retirement years and my next chapter. This mentorship program has developed the desire for me to put my public speaking and networking skills to use far beyond my time in the wholesale tier (whenever that may be), to let others know in a public forum what being a woman in this lucrative business has done for me and what it can do for other women with a desire to get into our industry."

Congratulations to the following individuals for completing the 2024 WLC Mentorship Program:

Mentees	Company
Allison Salaba	Breakthru Beverage Group
Amanda Hutchinson	Breakthru Beverage Group
Ashley Milillo	Opici Family Distributors
Camille Davis	Republic National Distributing Co.
Cassie Marmas	Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits
Colleen Tyrrell	Fedway Associates
Eileen Williamson	Breakthru Beverage Group
Gracie Bailey	Moon Distributors
Jamie Howe	Breakthru Beverage Group
Jessica Garonzik	Breakthru Beverage Group
Joanna Fonk	Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits
Katherine Loeb	Winebow
Katie Chiquione	Breakthru Beverage Group
Katie McDuff	Republic National Distributing Co.
Kayde Kluge	Standard Beverage
Kelly O'Connor	Martignetti Companies
Mary Hof	United Distributors
Sarah Otis	Republic National Distributing Co.
Shauna Wallace	Republic National Distributing Co.
Stephanie Arbucci	Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits
Tina Silverberg	Horizon Beverage

Special thanks to the mentors who graciously volunteered their time to elevate women in the wholesaler tier:

Mentors	Company
Alexandra Biondo	Winebow
Amy Barriault	Central Distributors ME
Angie Stephenson	Breakthru Beverage Group
Gina Parenti	Winebow
Hana Konheim	Allied Beverage Group
Jen Bowser	Horizon Beverage
Jlee Galan	Republic National Distributing Co.
Kristen Demergian	Breakthru Beverage Group
Laura DePasquale	Southern Glazers Wine & Spirits
Linda Benjamin	Republic National Distributing Co.
Liz Philips	Breakthru Beverage Group
Mary Montgomery-DeRosa	Allied Beverage Group
Megan Hamilton	Breakthru Beverage Group
Monica Chaplin	Southern Glazers Wine & Spirits
Renee Reignier	Opici Family Distributing
Stephanie Gadsby	Breakthru Beverage Group
Tiffany Thompson	Southern Glazers Wine & Spirits
Theresa Rossi	Allied Beverage Group
Trish Bannan	Breakthru Beverage Group
Virignia Means	United Distributors
Zulma Hernandez	Republic National Distributing Co.

About Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America

WSWA is the national trade association representing the distribution tier of the wine and spirits industry, dedicated to advancing the interests and independence of distributors and brokers of wine and spirits. Founded in 1943, WSWA has more than 380 member companies in 50 states and the District of Columbia, and its members distribute more than 80 percent of all wine and spirits sold at wholesale in the United States.

To learn more, please visit www.wswa.org or connect with us on Facebook or Twitter.

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