Pink Boots Society Exists Thanks To Its Dedicated Volunteers!
Do you know the saying that it takes a village to raise a child? Well, it holds true for Pink Boots Society, it has taken a village of badass amazing dedicated women to have gotten her where she is today. Several of those women will be ending their time with us in 2019 and not only do I personally owe them a debt of gratitude, but I wanted to highlight them here. We asked them some questions so you could get to know them a little bit and see what they thought about their time with PBS as a volunteer. These women are the reason that the organization has been able to continue to grow, thrive, and sustain the amazing membership. Thank you ladies, for all the time you have given!
Mary Brettman
Let’s start with Mary Brettmann, who I would say saved our financial asses!
How long have you been on the Board for Pink Boots Society? I was on the board for 2.5 years.
What was your role? I was the treasurer.
What has been your most memorable moment being on the board? Getting the chapter finance policy over the finish line is a highlight for me. Seeing the board, individual members and management come together to make this policy happen was very powerful.
How has Pink Boots Society impacted your Life? I know that an empowered woman can accomplish anything
What would you like to see from Pink Boots Society in the future? I would like PBS to be more open to sharing with other women in the beverage industry. Everyone else is flexible, why not PBS?
What will you do with all you spare time? My clients are very happy now that I am focusing on them exclusively.
What will you miss about being on the board for Pink Boots Society? I will miss all the wonderful female energy. We are part of an important cause and getting into the trenches with you was very fulfilling
Where do you see yourself in the next five years? I will continue to help any brewery who wants to be a better business person. I am passionate about making sure that the artist is compensated for her contributions to the brewery.
Rochelle Francois
Then, there’s Rochelle Francois, who was voted on to the board in a role she had no idea how to handle, but did it with patience and grace.
How long have you been on the Board for Pink Boots Society? 2 years
What was your role? Board Member – Brand and Marketing
What has been your most memorable moment being on the board? 2019 Conference in Austin. Being around that many incredible women in the industry and seeing how much Pink Boots has grown. It was a really inspiring moment to know how many women the Pink Boots Society reaches.
How has Pink Boots Society impacted your Life? It has greatly increased my confidence in the industry. To have a community of women to share ideas and really be there to help with any situation. It has also opened my eyes to how many great educational programs there are if I ever want to continue my education.
What would you like to see from Pink Boots Society in the future? Pink Boots Society has grown so much in the past 2 years. I’m so excited to see everything in the works come to life. Its going to really develop into this powerhouse of a resource for women in the industry. I want it to keep evolving and assisting women.
What will you do with all you spare time? Haha, I have a 5-month-old son. I don’t think I will ever have spare time again.
Who has been your biggest role model/influencer? My mother, she molded me into the woman I am today. The most caring, hardworking, no-nonsense woman I know. I hope to be just like her.
What will you miss about being on the board for Pink Boots Society? I will miss the board calls and retreat. I truly enjoyed the time we all spent together. Afterward, I always felt like we could take on anything. The other board members are some of the smartest women I know. I’m so happy to still be a part of this community of women. Everyone on the board inspired me so much.
Do you have any advice for women in brewing industry? Own who you are and don’t apologize for it. That has really helped me in my career. I’m very open with my strengths and weaknesses. Never stop pursuing what you want.
What is your proudest moment? Being a part of a board that took the Pink Boots Society to the next level.
Where do you see yourself in the next five years? Continuing to challenge myself and learn all about this wonderful product called beer.
Tanya Corriveau
Tanya Corriveau, she has always been our “go-to”. If you wanted something done, she would do it. She just made things happen. Without her, numerous National Meetings would not have taken place, and the10th Anniversary would not have been as smooth as it was. She’s the ninja behind the scenes that doesn’t like the spotlight, but gets shit done.
How long have you been on the Board for Pink Boots Society? 6 months ?! lol no idea how long I lasted…I guess longer if you count the two years assisting Candace lol
What was your role? Managing the Website and Membership system
What has been your most memorable moment being on the board? Putting on the 10th Anniversary Conference and Beer Festival
How has Pink Boots Society impacted your Life? It made me see how many roles women play in the beer industry and how this non profit can impact so many of those women’s lives
What would you like to see from Pink Boots Society in the future? More online resources for it’s members
What will you do with all you spare time? Volunteer with ARWOB animal rescue and travel more
Who has been your biggest role model/influencer? My mother, who carelessly gives her time and love to those around her
What will you miss about being on the board for Pink Boots Society? People needing me for something
Do you have any advice for women in brewing industry? Apply for those scholarships, participate in your local chapters, be inventive and think outside the box, your PBS members got your back!
What is your proudest moment? Putting on the 10th Anniversary Conference and Beer Festival
Where do you see yourself in the next five years? Old
Nichole Sykes
Last from the Board of Directors is Nichole Sykes. Nichole has grown tremendously with Pink Boots. She came on to help our every growing Chapter get organized, brining on processes, procedures, structure, communication, and consistency.
How long have you been on the Board for Pink Boots Society? 2 years
What was your role? Chapter Liaison
What has been your most memorable moment being on the board? Putting on the 10th-anniversary conference and festival for sure!
How has Pink Boots Society impacted your Life? I never saw myself as a leader, and getting asked to join the board put me in a position I never saw for myself. I am so grateful for the opportunity to learn a lot of new things about myself in the role. I loved getting to put my voice to work for our nearly 3000 members, a job that I never took lightly.
What would you like to see from Pink Boots Society in the future? I want PBS to become a grant foundation! I also hope that PBS can become the premier resource for ALL women in fermentation, not just beer. There are a lot of smart women in the fermentation game these days we could all learn from as craft beer continues to diversify and change in big ways.
What will you do with all your spare time? Probably adopt another cat 🙂
What will you miss about being on the board for Pink Boots Society? I will miss having 7 instant close friends! I love the new and strengthened relationships being on the board has brought me, especially with people I may never have gotten to know so closely if not brought together by joining the board.
Do you have any advice for women in brewing industry? Join PBS! The opportunity you have to get better at your job and meet new people who will become your friends help you get jobs, and be there to lift you up in invaluable. Well, I guess a $45 value! “No Woman is an island entire of itself; every Woman is a piece of the continent.” Surround yourself with other women looking to make noise and be the best that they can, you all need each other!
Where do you see yourself in the next five years? A question I am currently working on, stay tuned friends!
Cinthya Cisneros
Another volunteer whose term has come to an end is Cinthya Cisneros. She is one of the many women behind the scenes that you don’t hear about often but is super crucial to what PBS stands for and provides – Our Scholarship Committee Coordinator. She is the one responsible for managing the women who review ALL of the scholarships that come in.
How long have you been a volunteer for Pink Boots Society? I have been a volunteer for 2 years.
What was your role? Scholarship Committee Coordinator
What has been your most memorable moment being a PBS volunteer? Ironically the most memorable moment was last year during our summer scholarships…. OH MY LANTA! We had so many applicants which meant a lot of work for me and my reviewers, BUT I ABSOLUTELY LOVED HOW MANY APPLICATIONS WE RECEIVED compared to the previous year . It has been amazing to see the increase in engagement with PBS, truly.
How has Pink Boots Society impacted your Life? It has connected me with BADASS Women that will permanently stay in my life forever.
What would you like to see from Pink Boots Society in the future? I would like to see a space where I can see where all these badass women have ventured off to or continue to do.
What will you do with all you spare time? Open up my Bakery/taproom… ABOUT TIME!
Who has been your biggest role model/influencer? I have been heavily influenced by Jen Sincero, Emma Lovewell and my Mom.
What will you miss about being on the board for Pink Boots Society? Seeing the background of all these badass women… I love reading their stories.
Do you have any advice for women in brewing industry? You are your own worst critic, no one else. Turn your dreams into goals… then no one can stop you.
What is your proudest moment? HOSTING THE FIRST PBS Brew day in Stone Napa! Starting the new PBS Napa Chapter!
Where do you see yourself in the next five years? Hustling like a crazy woman (still) at my new venture, La Cheve Bakery & Brews.
The board and I want to take a moment to thank each and every one of these women for their passion, support, dedication, and time they have given to Pink Boots Society. Without them, we would not be where we are today – on our way into an amazing future. Cheers ladies, we owe you all the beers!!
Laura Ulrich
President, Pink Boots Society
