As we say goodbye to March and welcome Spring, we want to share thoughts about female leaders making their mark. What do these women have in common? Creativity, innovation, resilience, vision, and a relentless desire to have a positive impact.
Carol is a top wine business leader. She has guided wine companies and teams through the unique challenges and complexities of making, marketing, and selling wine. After providing leadership to take the Duckhorn Portfolio public in a successful winery IPO, Carol now shares her strategy, operations, and financial expertise as an advisor, board director, and mentor to women in the industry. Carol is currently the interim CEO of Napa Valley’s Far Niente Wine Estates.
Brenae was just 24 when she began managing one of California’s most historic vineyards, Sonoma’s Monte Rosso Vineyard, owned by Gallo. She later was promoted to manage Gallo’s entire North Coast vineyard portfolio. Brenae is a trailblazer for Black women in wine—less than 1% of American wineries are Black owned or have a Black winemaker—much less in viticulture positions. Today, Brenae Royal is offering her sparkling wine under the label, Violet’s Paradise — a brand named in honor of her beloved dog, Violet Mae. Made in partnership with J.J Vineyards in Healdsburg, these bubbles raise funds for The Veraison Project, a nonprofit working to create a more diverse, equitable and inclusive wine industry. Brenae and her team also produce small lot Semillon, Grenache, Cabernet Franc, Zinfandel, and Cabernet Sauvignon from Monte Rosso Vineyard.
Tracey’s trademark is innovation. Across her career in the alcohol, cannabis and functional beverage industry, Tracey turns crazy ideas into compelling products. Her latest project is sustainable Tular Vodka, made from California Central Valley upcycled fruit that is “less” than perfect for supermarket sale. The fruit is distilled into a tasty, eco-friendly vodka instead of being composted. Tular launches Spring 2025. Tracey’s entrepreneurial spirit serves other companies such as Proof Hard Ice Cream—ice cream with a kick—where she is an investor, Board Member, and Fractional CMO and managing partner of creative agency, Slay.
Lisa is a style and menopause coach dedicated to empowering women by enhancing their confidence from the outside in. As we journey through the different seasons of life, our personal and professional style goals naturally evolve. Lisa works with women to refine their style in ways that boost self-assurance in both professional and personal settings. Her expertise lies in helping women create a personalized look that aligns with lifestyle, career ambitions, and the changes our bodies undergo.
Who are the modern women you admire for making history?
