Brewing waves in the craft beer and spirits industry, the Women’s Beer and Spirits Collective, a collaboration for Women’s Month comprised of female representatives in the industry, aims to spotlight women in this traditionally male-dominated field. This month, the group hosts an assortment of fundraising events to support charities benefiting women.
Here, we connected with Julianna Pierandozzi, co-founder of Women’s Beer and Spirits Collective and a 3 Sheeps Brewing Co. sales representative, to delve more into the month-long celebration and its fundraising goals.
Tell us about the Women’s Month collaboration initiative in the craft beer industry.
The Women’s Beer and Spirits Collective is a collaboration of female reps in the industry working together to raise money for charities that benefit women during Women’s Month. It also is a space for women to work together and share their experiences in a male-dominated industry. It came about organically, with a few of us noticing how many more women were entering the field and how events like Movember benefited men’s health. We thought, why not us women too?
What inspired your involvement in this collaboration and what role do you play within the initiative?
This collaboration is a passion project for me. Like I said before, it came about organically, women finding women in the industry. For me, it’s a very comforting space to speak freely, share ideas, share frustrations and be there for each other while growing in our professions.
Could you elaborate on the significance of raising awareness for females in the male-dominated craft beer industry?
This industry has always been male-dominated, so there has been a need for a whole different perspective on how to sell and promote in the industry. So many women-owned and women-run bars need to be supported and spotlighted (as well as the other facilities and charities that benefit women).
Can you share teasers about the events held during Women’s Month?
The events are everything and anything! There are over 40 events taking place, including raffle nights, karaoke, beer dinners, month-long celebrations, live music, arcade battles and even a bake sale.
What charities or nonprofits will the Women’s Month events support? What is your goal for the fundraising campaign?
To raise $10,000, this year we are benefitting Sojourner Family Peace Center in Milwaukee, a nonprofit provider of domestic violence prevention and intervention; Pink Boots Society, an international organization aiming to inspire women in the beverage industry to advance their careers through education; and Safe Harbor Sheboygan, providing services to sexual assault and domestic abuse victims.
How can the community support the Women’s Month collaboration and its mission?
For anyone looking to get involved, come hang out at our events! Come chat with us and learn more about women in the industry, support your local charities that benefit women and support your local businesses that are woman-owned and -run.
How do you envision the future of this initiative and are there any goals or initiatives planned for upcoming years?
We plan to continue our work supporting women in the beverage industry and raise money for anyone affected by domestic violence.
For more information on Women’s Beer and Spirits Collective and Women’s Month events, visit facebook.com/womensbeerandspiritscollective.