The more things change, the more they stay the same. Such is the hope of the San Diego chapter of the Pink Boots Society (PBS) as they celebrate an outgoing leader while bringing in a new co-leader to replace her. After all, the non-profit organization, which educates and advocates for women and non-binary individuals in the fermented-beverages industry, has done good work under co-leaders Lia Garcia (Fox Point Farms / Fox Point Brewing) and Romi Rossel (The Bountiful Bag and San Diego Brewcycling Collaborative). As the former exits in order to begin a term as part of the national PBS chapter’s Board of Directors., she says she has the utmost confidence that the chapter’s new co-leader, Jes Pierce, will keep up the momentum in her newly appointed role.
“As I step into a new role at the national level, I feel immense pride in all that we’ve accomplished as a chapter,” says Garcia. “I am excited to pass the torch to our newly elected leaders, knowing that the future of this chapter is in such capable hands. I can’t wait to see how you all will continue to lead and inspire.”
Pierce (pictured above, front-row center, kneeling) comes from the retailer side of the beer industry, where she’s worked since 2017. As the co-owner and General Manager of Ale Tales Taproom in downtown San Diego’s East Village, she has watched the many pivots of craft breweries and understands the state of flux that beverage segment is in the midst of, as well as the fact that it’s nowhere close to settling out. She regularly works with breweries in and outside San Diego County and has been a consistently involved member of PBS’ local chapter for half a decade.
Pierce will work with Rossel (pictured at right during a Pink Boots collaboration brew day at Booze Brothers Brewing), who is staying on as co-leader for a second year. Together they will collaborate with Financial Liaison Connie Vasquez, Secretary and Membership Coordinator Kaitlin Cook (Athletic Brewing), Marketing Chair Lu Moceri (Sapporo-Stone Brewing) and Collaboration Brew Day Liaison Esthela Davila (Mason Ale works) to coordinate monthly meetings, special events and educational initiatives.
PBS San Diego’s next event will be its monthly member meeting, which will take place Wednesday, February 26, starting with a tour of industry vendor Canworks in Vista, followed by beers at nearby business, The Roadies Brewing. Larger events that are currently in the planning stages include an all-woman arm-wrestling competition fundraiser, as well as the first-ever Pink Boots San Diego Fermentation Festival.
A pair of scholarship opportunities are currently available to San Diego chapter members. One will provide recipients with the opportunity to travel to Germany to gain professional experience with breweries in that nation, while the other will provide one all-expenses-paid trip to this year’s Craft Brewers Conference and BrewExpo America, which will take place in Indianapolis from April 28 to May 1.
“Our organization supports women and non-binary individuals in the craft beverage industry, and now more than ever, it’s crucial to continue building safe spaces that empower, educate and uplift them,” says Rossel. “Through educational meetings, scholarships and community support, we help our members expand their knowledge, take risks and build the confidence they need to thrive in a male-dominated industry.”
More information on the San Diego Chapter of the Pink Boots Society can be found online