From Bartender to Brewer: How the Pink Boots Society Helped This Woman Brewer Chase Her Dream at Sunken Silo Brew Works

My first experience working in a brewery’s taproom was as a bartender in 2017. I enjoyed the work, so when I learned that a new brewery, Sunken Silo Brew Works, was planning to open that was even closer to me, I applied to be a member of the team and was hired before they opened to the public. After the beer was made, the construction was almost complete, and a full team was assembled in the fall of 2019, we were ready to open the brewery’s doors to the community. As an original member of the team, I’ve filled almost every role – bartender, event coordinator, and other various jobs that pop up… as they often do when working in a brewery.

Breaking In: From Bartender to Brewery Team Member

In the beginning of 2022, the assistant brewer left to attend the Siebel Institute. I saw an opportunity to advance and learn more about what I’ve always loved about beer – actually making it. I only had a little experience homebrewing with my brother-in-law, but having worked for breweries since 2017 and always being interested in the product, I knew moving into brewing was the right move for me. I jumped at the chance to be in the brewhouse and officially claimed my spot as the new assistant brewer; brewing was the one role I hadn’t yet had the chance to try out.

Brewhouse Pressures Mount

At the time, I worked alongside two other seasoned brewers (one a chemist and the other a seasoned brewer for over 15 years) who showed me the ropes. I was so green, and my lack of experience made me feel like I had to constantly prove myself. The brewing world felt daunting, and as a woman with a fine arts degree, the pressure to outperform and disprove stereotypes often left me questioning my worth.

When I stepped into the brewhouse, I couldn’t shake the overwhelming feeling of imposter syndrome. Despite my years in the industry, doubts crept in: ‘Do I really belong here? Can I handle this role?’ These questions echoed in my mind, fueled by the stereotype that brewing is men’s work. What was I even thinking of jumping into this? I had to get up to speed incredibly quickly in order to hold my own in the brewhouse. The pressure to be knowledgeable and confident weighed heavily on me, not only as an underrepresented woman in brewing (due to the flatly unfair and false stereotype that brewing is men’s work) but also because my background was not in this kind of work, and I felt that I needed to prove myself – that I was smart enough in this scientific field.

Finding Support in the Pink Boots Society

Around this time, one of my coworkers told me about the Pink Boots Society, a society that could help me feel more included in my profession. Pink Boots is for women and non-binary individuals in the fermented and alcoholic beverages industry. The mission really resonated with me and I immediately joined the Pink Boots Society. Through my membership, I learned that Pink Boots offers so many amazing opportunities for its members such as collaboration brew days, conferences, and special events, and it even sponsors scholarships for its members to attend and participate in many different experiences.

Then it happened.  My brewhouse co-worker opted to move to a part-time remote role and our head brewer moved across the country. As the only employee left in the brewhouse besides the owner, I was feeling the pressure now!

I turned to Pink Boots for support and signed up one of my female coworkers and myself to attend their biannual conference held in Philadelphia, PA. At the conference, I was able to sit and listen to some of the most renowned women in the brewing world talk about their experiences and professional journeys. I even got a chance to talk with some of them. Hearing their perspectives was empowering, comforting, and eye-opening.

Participating in this conference gave me a sense of belonging and inclusion that I hadn’t previously felt from the industry. When I knew moving into brewing was the right move for me, attending the Pink Boots Conference assured me that I was in the right place. Through the Pink Boots Society, I found a network of women and non-binary individuals who shared similar experiences. Hearing their stories reassured me that I wasn’t alone in feeling like an outsider at times. Slowly, I began to see that what I once viewed as weaknesses—my inexperience or gender—were actually strengths, bringing unique perspectives to the brewhouse.

Barley Days and Beyond: Reclaiming Confidence

At around the same time as the conference, I also took a chance and applied for one of the Pink Boots scholarships to visit Malteurop in Montana for their annual Barley Days event, which was scheduled to happen about a month after the Pink Boots conference. The scholarship offered a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to travel to Montana for four days to visit with Malteurop, one of the world’s leading producers of malt and also meet individuals from all over the country in the brewing and distilling industry.

Right before the start of the Pink Boots conference I received a confirmation email letting me know that I won the scholarship. I couldn’t believe it! I returned to work from the conference with a pep in my step and was ready for my next adventure to Montana just a few weeks later.

Barley Days in Great Falls, Montana, was a four-day immersive experience that brought together top professionals from the brewing and distilling industries for hands-on learning, networking, and industry insight. Hosted by Malteurop, the event featured seminars on topics like barley sourcing, malt house operations, soil pH, and crop rotation—critical but often overlooked aspects of beer production.

Attendees also explored the business side of brewing, from supply chain logistics to customer relations. Farm and malt house tours provided a close-up look at barley’s journey from field to fermenter, while a final-day rafting trip on the Missouri River allowed for reflection and deeper connection with fellow brewers, united by a shared passion for craft and innovation.

Conclusion: Better Days Ahead Thanks to Pink Boots Society

I left Montana feeling professionally reinvigorated. Being new to this male-dominated industry has been a challenge, but this scholarship gave me an opportunity that I would have never had. As humans, we long for community. Some communities are organic, while others need to be intentionally built. Too often, communities become exclusive, not always on purpose, but because those who thrive within them became shut off and reclusive.

When we welcome different perspectives, diverse members, and individuals from different backgrounds, the community by default will be inclusive. The Pink Boots Society has become this type of community for me – one where I feel supported, inspired, confident, and encouraged to be successful in a traditionally male-dominated industry. Surely, its impact will be felt for generations of female brewers to come.