The Tasting Panel magazine

October 2018

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92  /  the tasting panel  /  october 2018 WOMEN IN THE INDUSTRY F rom young, bright-eyed brand reps new to the industry to seasoned somms, buyers, and sales managers with years of experi- ence, the crowd recently gathered for a tasting and luncheon at Sanctuary Camelback Mountain resort in Scottsdale, Arizona, had at least one thing in common: They were all women. In late August, Southern Glazer's Wines and Spirits of Arizona gathered this group to hear stories and advice from three powerful executives in the wine and spirits industry: Carolyn Wente, fourth-generation winegrower and CEO of Wente Family Estates; Leslie Frank, proprietor of Frank Family Vineyards; and Lori Raya, President for the Southwest division of Albertsons, Safeway, and Vons. Each speaker shared the story of their respective journey to their current positions and the mentors, opportunities, and roadblocks they encountered along the way before the floor was opened up for a question-and-answer period. While each woman's path to success was mark- edly different, they shared a few commonalities: supportive friends, families, and partners; lots and lots of hard work; and believing in them- selves while paving the way for their peers, too. "When you get a seat at the table, make room for other women," Frank said. So, ladies (and gentle- men!), pull up a chair and read on to see how this influential trio have made a name for themselves in the industry. Lori Raya, President for the Southwest division of Albertsons, Safeway, and Vons; Carolyn Wente, fourth-generation winegrower and CEO of Wente Family Estates; and Leslie Frank, proprietor of Frank Family Vineyards. Ladies Who Powerlunch SOUTHERN GLAZER'S WINES AND SPIRITS OF ARIZONA GATHERS THE INDUSTRY'S TOP FEMALE LEADERS FOR WOMEN EMPOWERED by Rachel Burkons photos by Grace Stufkosky

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