Nancy Duarte, Santa Teresa 1796

Innovative Women

nancy duarte, santa teresa

As such, women in the spirits industry find themselves in positions of power and influence. Santa Teresa 1796 has been the leading producer of rum in Venezuela for five generations and this month has proudly named Nancy Duarte as its first female master blender.

“There has been a greater emphasis on hiring women over the past few decades, and because of this, there are now women who have corner offices at spirits brands or are managing the brand’s production process,” explains Duarte. As master blender, she takes the lead in the brand’s expansion plan to meet increasing international demand and will help establish the superior premium rum category.

“History needs to be rewritten with the stories of women, as we’ve always been present but just not visible, from working in secret in distilleries to bootlegging during Prohibition, all the while upholding family traditions and preserving sacred recipes through the generations,” continues Duarte.

“Younger women now see female CEOs and master distillers and can see themselves in that role, which wasn’t always the case. There is a deliberate focus on women in spirits as they come up in university and beyond, which has turned into a positive feedback cycle. Because of this, women see the spirits industry as a space where they can work and grow their career.”

“Today, women are finally being given the resources and the platforms needed to reach the highest echelons of our industry.”

-Nancy Duarte