2022 Women's Leadership Council Conference

Each year, WLC chooses a local charity to actively support during an organized activity to “give back” to the community and network with peers.  It is by far one of the highlights of coming together to make a difference at the conference. 

This year, the WLC Advisory Board wanted to focus on children’s mental health and using the power of “art therapy” for children that are fighting a chronic illness in hospitals.

Raendrop Art was developed by Addy Flint, a fourteen-year-old, two-time cancer survivor who has a passion for art. She developed Raendrop Art to provide an outlet for kids who spend extended amounts of time in hospitals to enjoy art classes creating a sense of stability and community during the isolating hours in the hospital.  Raendrop Art provides patients with boxes of project-focused art supplies in conjunction with artist-led classes. Join us as we make 400 art kits for all patients at Children’s Hospital in Washington, D.C.

Moderator: Nancie McDonnell Ruder, Founder and CEO, Noetic Consultants

Socialization came to a halt during the pandemic and connecting with people shifted to alternative modes of communication. Networking may not have been a priority. We will explore how we reset and change the mindset on networking, offer tips and practice what we learn about invaluable connections.

Attendees will be divided into three small groups to enjoy dinner within walking distance of the hotel on the D.C. Wharf at Mi Vida, Ilili or Officina. Connect with friends and get to know new peers across the industry!

Speaker: Corrie Olson, CEO, Infuzion Solutions, LLC

Speaker: Jessica Cyr, Vice President, Sales Execution, Martignetti Companies, WLC Chair

Keynote Speaker: Dr. Michele Bratcher Goodwin

Join us as we hear from professor and author Dr. Michele Goodwin on how achieving equality for women is fundamental to a healthy democracy. Dr. Goodwin will share her story and discuss how we can better empower women to be transformational leaders, further striving for equality inside and outside the workplace. 

This will be an interactive panel discussion and presentation.   Ever wonder what is next for your career within the beverage alcohol industry? Are you curious about what other roles are out there and what do you need to get there? Learn from this seasoned panel of inspiring women who have created their own path to success and what it took to get there.

Panelists:  

• Natalia Cardenas, Luxury Spirits Portfolio Consultant, E.&J. Gallo 
• Cindy Leonard, EVP and General Manager, Fine Wine Division, Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits 
• Gina Langone, AVP, National Accounts, Martignetti Companies 
• Theresa Rossi, Director of Operations, Allied Beverage Group

Moderator:

• Hillary Wirtz, Director, Diversity and Inclusion, Breakthru Beverage Group 

Speaker: Barbara Brown, Principal, Sperling Brown Associates  

Every interaction you have with others is an opportunity to motivate, persuade and inspire. This interactive session offers valuable insights into making the most of each interaction, effectively build relationships and achieve results. Learn to identify essential ingredients of strategic communication, analyze audiences, clarify presentation objectives, and plan a concise, well-organized message.

Panelists: 

• Jake Hegeman, Assistant General Counsel, Legal and Regulatory, WSWA
• Dawson Hobbs, Executive Vice President, Government Affairs
• Catherine McDaniel, Senior Vice President, Member Advocacy, WSWA
• Jo Moak, Executive Vice President and General Counsel, WSWA

As leaders, it is necessary to understand the bigger picture when it comes to legislation, potential litigation and issues that are trending across the country.  WSWA staff will lead a discussion on issues our wholesaler members need to be aware and how they may impact the wine and spirits industry.  Attendees will also hear about two important tools to take action- WSWA-PAC and Project 21, our grassroots network. 

Speaker: 

• Michelle Russo, Chief Communications Officer, U.S. Chamber of Commerce

Our closing session will leave you nourished and invigorated for the future of women in the workforce.  We will discuss why and how women continue to rise to the occasion when challenges occur  and what sets them apart to lead organizations.