Empowering tomorrow's female industry leaders, ‘Women in Beer and Wine’ share career insights

LANSING, Mich. – Members of the Michigan Beer & Wine Wholesalers Association (MB&WWA) Women’s Advocacy Committee, along with FIFCO USA, recently hosted an event for a group of Michigan State University students at Dan Henry Distributing in Lansing. A panel of committee members and other women who work in the beer and wine industry shared their expertise and career guidance. The event was part of the MB&WWA committee’s ongoing efforts to inspire the next generation of women leaders in Michigan’s beer and wine industry.

“It's inspiring to see and experience the robust support for advancement and empowerment as women flourish in leadership and key roles across all three tiers, from suppliers to distributors and retailers,” said Joanie O’Sullivan-Butler, president and CEO of John P. O’Sullivan Distributing Inc. and member of the MB&WWA Women’s Advocacy Committee. “I was honored to sit on a panel with other women leaders I admire to raise awareness about opportunities in our industry and inspire the next generation to pursue rewarding careers in our ever-evolving field.”

O’Sullivan-Butler was one of four female panelists who represented the different facets of the beer and wine industry: Ashlii McGee, talent acquisition manager for FIFCO USA, Brighton Ferris, marketing sales representative for FIFCO USA, Royal Oak, and Jenna Podjan, sales manager for Bud Distributing Inc. Brandi Tribell, senior vice president of MB&WWA and MBWWA Services Inc., and Tracy McGrew, chain account manager for FIFCO USA, moderated the panel.

The panel discussed a range of topics, including the changing landscape of the beer and wine industry and how women are stepping into more leadership roles, the importance of mentorship, and the challenges and rewarding aspects of working in the beer and wine industry as a woman.

“The Women in Beer and Wine event broadened my perspective on various aspects of an industry I hadn't explored before,” said Kate Kocher, a freshman studying food science at Michigan State University. “I'm not only enthusiastic about discovering the various career paths within the beer and wine industry, but I also drew inspiration from the accomplished women on the panel who generously shared their support and insights. Their guidance will undoubtedly accompany me as I embark on my career.”

As one of the alcohol beverage industry’s most progressive state trade associations, the MB&WWA represents family-owned and local beer and wine distributors who work hard every day to deliver a wide variety of beverages to licensed retailers throughout Michigan. The Women’s Advocacy Committee is made up of female executives from distributors across the state, as well as the senior vice president of MB&WWA & MBWWA Services Inc. and one of its lead female lobbyists.