Detroit News: Opinion: Women are helping to transform the beer and wine industry

As the senior vice president of the MB&WWA and MBWWA Services, Inc. and the chair of the MB&WWA Women's Advocacy Committee, we are proud to champion the incredible contributions women make every day in this evolving industry.

Our industry is seeing an increasing number of women advance to leadership roles in beer and wine distributorships. Across the MB&WWA membership, we have women CEOs, presidents, vice presidents, finance managers, controllers, sales managers, and more. These women bring a unique perspective and a commitment to excellence.

Women have been catalysts for positive change whether they’re working on the front lines of warehouses, engaging with customers through merchandising in retail stores, or spearheading community initiatives.

One of the most exciting aspects of this evolution is the spectrum of opportunities it presents for advancement. As the beer and wine distribution industry continues to expand, so do the pathways for women to find fulfilling and rewarding careers. Whether in logistics, marketing, sales, or management, the industry has many avenues for women to excel.

To ensure the continued success of our industry, we must work to engage and educate young people about the range of opportunities available to them. We are working to reach out to universities and community organizations in an effort to raise awareness about opportunities in our industry and inspire the next generation of leaders to pursue careers in our field.

The beer and wine distribution industry has a significant impact on the economy. Our industry employs thousands of workers across Michigan, consistently driving economic growth and prosperity.

The beer and wine distribution industry is experiencing a remarkable transformation, largely driven by the diverse contributions of women. By recognizing the vital roles women play, promoting opportunities for advancement and engaging young people, we can ensure a bright and prosperous future for Michigan’s thriving beer and wine industry.

Brandi Tribell, CMP, is senior vice president of MB&WWA and MBWWA Services, Inc. in Lansing and sits on the MB&WWA Women’s Advocacy Committee. Jenna Podjan is sales manager of Bud Distributing, Inc., in Dowagiac and chair of the MB&WWA Women’s Advocacy Committee.