WASHINGTON, D.C., 05/07/2026 – Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America (WSWA) proudly celebrates the graduation of 28 women wholesale leaders from ten member companies, marking the successful completion of the 2026 Women in Leadership (WIL) Executive Education Program.
Over the past three weeks, participants from across North America completed an intensive hybrid experience developed in partnership with Columbia Business School. The program concluded today after a two-day, in-person capstone in Washington, D.C.
Designed to accelerate the advancement of women in the wholesale tier of the wine and spirits industry, the WIL program equips participants with the tools to navigate complex business environments, amplify their leadership strengths, and step into roles of greater influence.
The WIL curriculum was exclusively designed for WSWA by Professor Adam Galinsky, the Paul Calello Professor of Leadership and Ethics at Columbia Business School. Galinsky was joined by distinguished faculty including Professor Modupe Akinola, the Barbara and David Zalaznick Professor of Business and Faculty Director of the Bernstein Center for Leadership and Ethics, and Professor Sandra Matz, the David W. Zalaznick Associate Professor of Business. Together, they delivered cutting-edge insights on leadership, negotiation, innovation, and building inclusive, high-performing teams and cultures.
The capstone experience began Wednesday with “Inspiring Social Capital and Happiness,” led by Professor Akinola. The day concluded with a cocktail event at the Australian Embassy, followed by small-group networking dinners.
On Thursday, participants began the day with a private tour of the Belmont-Paul Women's Equality National Monument with Docent Lauren Devore, and a private tour of the U.S. Capitol’s Senate Chamber.
The WIL students completed their capstone with a session on “Inspiring Change, Today and Tomorrow” with Professor Galinksy. The program concluded with a celebratory graduation ceremony and reception, marking the culmination of the 2026 program.
“These women represent the future of leadership in the wine and spirits industry,” said Professor Galinsky. “They’ve not only built critical skills but also developed their confidence and expanded their networks which will enable them to lead boldly and make a lasting impact.”
Since its inception, the WIL program has graduated more than 200 women leaders, with over 80% of alumnae reporting measurable career advancement following completion.
“Congratulations to the Class of 2026 on this significant achievement,” said Barkley Stuart Executive Vice President, Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits and past chairman of WSWA who helped launch the program in 2019. “You join a powerful network of women who are shaping the future of our industry. At a time of rapid change, your leadership and perspective are more important than ever.”
“One of the most powerful outcomes of WIL is the network these women build with one another,” said Catherine McDaniel, WSWA Senior Vice President of Member Advocacy and Director of WSWA’s Women’s Leadership Council (WLC). “This connection and shared experience extend far beyond the program and continues to support their leadership journeys long after graduation. Congratulations, class of 2026!”
2026 Women in Leadership Executive Education Program Graduates:
Sarah Castillo, Allied Beverage Group
Alexandria Eddlemon, Athens Distributing Company
Sheryl Krueger, Badger Liquor
Nina Moll, Badger Liquor
Sara Gunther, Breakthru Beverage Group
Courtney Uslander, Breakthru Beverage Group
Kate Eckert, Classic Wine & Spirits
Sofia Kolkka, Fedway Associates
Jinger Rainwater, Lipman Brothers
Amanda TongCo, M.S. Walker, Inc
Laurel Slick, Reyes Beverage Group
Kathryn Bevins, Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits
Angela Castiglione, Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits
Courtney Elbe, Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits
Kristin Hangebrauck, Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits
Vicki Healy, Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits
Vanessa Kremer, Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits
Lesley Lester, Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits
Jessica Matthew, Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits
Sukience Maxwell, Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits
Kelly McCarthy, Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits
Patia Modia, Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits
Jasmine Peloquin, Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits
Teddra Porteous, Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits
Bharathi Sampangi, Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits
Katharine Wescott, Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits
Candace Baran, Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits
Christy Moran, Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America
For more information about WSWA’s Women’s Leadership Council and the WIL Executive Education Program, please visit wswa.org.
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 LinkedIn, Facebook or Twitter.
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