WSWA Concludes 2025 Women’s Leadership Council Conference
Last week, Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America (WSWA) concluded its 2025 Women’s Leadership Council (WLC) Conference in Washington D.C, bringing together current and emerging women leaders from across the wholesale tier of the beverage alcohol industry for two days of education, networking, leadership development and strategic insight.
Over the course of the event, attendees participated in interactive sessions focused on advocacy, innovation, data-driven decision making, wellness and leadership in times of change, according to the organization.
“This year’s WLC Conference reaffirms our commitment to not only amplify women’s voices in the wholesale tier but also delivering actionable leadership tools that drive both personal growth and business success in a rapidly evolving industry. When we invest in empowerment, mentorship and data, we prepare our leaders to meet both the challenges and the opportunities before us with confidence,” said WSWA senior vice president of member advocacy Catherine McDaniel in a news release.
Empowering Women Leaders
Keynote addresses and panels at the conference featured distinguished voices including Phyllis Wilson, president of the Military Women’s Memorial, Congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks, M.D., Lieutenant General Mary O’Brien (United States Air Force, Retired), Lieutenant General Lori Reynolds (United States Marine Core, Retired), Swathi Young, Edyta Satchell, and others. Focused sessions ranged from “Empower: How to Stand Out While Fitting In” to “AI Uncorked: How Artificial Intelligence is Reshaping the Beverage Industry,” equipping women with tools for navigating advancing market trends and organizational complexity. Attendees also took part in philanthropic and networking events, according to the organization, including a visit to the Military Women’s Memorial at Arlington National Cemetery.
In addition to thought leadership, the conference provided tactical sessions including a fireside chat with SipSource leadership, offering market forecasting and analytic strategies. Attendees also heard from president of Opici Family Distributing, immediate past WSWA chairwoman and the inaugural WLC chairwoman Dina Opici on the strategic and legislative priorities of the association and how WSWA’s mission directly impacts the strength and future of the wholesale tier, according to the organization.
“The energy, collaboration and insight at this year’s gathering were nothing short of inspiring. Seeing women from all levels from rising professionals to seasoned executives come together, share their journeys and chart new paths forward is exactly what the WLC is meant to foster. I’m leaving this conference more hopeful and more driven to continue building spaces where leadership is inclusive and transformative,” said Laura DePasquale, MS, chair of WSWA’s Women’s Leadership Council and senior vice president of commercial operations, artisanal wines at Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits, in the release.
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