How Pink Boots Society is breaking societal norms within brewing industry
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - There's more hustle behind the brewing and fermented beverage industry than what is seen. One stellar fact was learning one of the first brewers was female but that doesn't mean women and nonbinary individuals have been taken seriously throughout fermentation history - until now.
Pink Boots Society is the intersection of networking and education. It is an international nonprofit organization within the brewing, fermented beverage and alcohol industry. Their mission is to assist, inspire and encourage through education. It is a monumental way for women and nonbinary people to get their foot in the door, become further educated and take the next steps in their career.
Take Hannah Gohde, also known as "The Lipstick Brewer," for example. With her nontraditional gender role upbringing, she was hesitant to join an organization that she believed further segregated a group of individuals who were all on an equal, level playing field. However, that perspective quickly changed after attending Pink Boots' Big Boots Brew Day.
She quickly realized the power in numbers and mentorship of other women and nonbinary individuals is another passion that sets Hannah apart. This experiential brewer has been brewing for decades and is proud to have helped pave the way for others coming up behind her as assistance wasn't always easily attainable.
In 2007, with a pair of pink boots in hand, Teri Fahrendorf, a female brewer, set out on a cross-country trip to visit other breweries and fellow peers. It was a surprise to learn of one another within this heavily male-dominated field, and Teri began an all-women brewer registry.
She quickly hosted meetings, and while the number of women and nonbinary individuals increased, she decided it was time to create its entity now known as Pink Boots Society. It was founded on the basic principle of necessity - the "What do I wish I had?" principle.
It caters to all roles within the fermented and brewing industry such as owners, makers of kombucha or cider, packaging beer, sales and social media, servers and front of the house. It stretches to industry adjacent including bloggers, graphic design, journalists, and people selling insurance or equipment including educators.
In addition to Pink Boots' overall memberships that offer online roundtables, webinars, online forums and conferences, Philly hosts several monthly meetings including education, social networking, camaraderie and fundraising via collaborations.
These fundraisers allow for scholarships that provide education from books to stipends to travel. Scholarship winners can attend Hops Schools in Washington to Belgium for a hands-on brewing experience.
Melissa Walters, co-owner of Love City Brewing, is among brewery owners in Philadelphia who takes pride in partnering with Pink Boots. She expressed her appreciation for the educational opportunities offered for her brewers as Pink Boots fills in educational gaps.
In addition, she also understands the value of partnering with Pink Boots from both an entrepreneurial side as well as their passion for inclusivity. Melissa informed me that women of color are on the rise within this industry, and she is proud to be a part of how Pink Boots continues to make their mark. They are constantly expanding their reach.
Again, because Pink Boots Society in international, you form relationships throughout the world. Philadelphia is proud to announce this June, Philly been chosen to host Pink Boot's largest conference to date. To get involved, visit Pink Boots Society's website.