Skip to content

Women Leading the Beverage Industry: A Q&A with Stephanie Evangelist, Origlio Beverage

What was a defining moment in your career that shaped who you are as a leader and how did you navigate it?

A defining moment in my career was when I moved from simply executing tasks to fully owning strategy and outcomes. I started my career at Origlio in Customer Service, learning the business by talking to customers, solving problems, and understanding daily priorities. Managing the department later taught me how to lead people and make team decisions. The biggest shift for me was when I became part of the Corporate Communications team. There wasn’t a clear guide, and that was initially intimidating. I had to adopt a broader, more strategic mindset and trust my judgment in unfamiliar territory. I navigated it by staying curious, asking questions, and taking ownership of my work even when I didn’t have all the answers. That experience shaped my leadership style today: be adaptable, stay grounded in the business, and don’t wait for permission to step up.

What’s one barrier you’ve faced as a woman in this industry?

My biggest challenge was earning credibility in a male-dominated industry. Early on, I learned that preparation is everything. I made it a priority to understand the business, I showed up ready, spoke with confidence, and ensured my ideas delivered results. Consistency builds trust. Eventually, you stop proving yourself in every room and that’s when you can focus on making an impact.

If you could give one piece of advice to the next generation of women entering this business, what would it be?

Speak up, share your ideas, and put yourself in the room even if it feels uncomfortable. Confidence doesn’t come first; action does. The more you show up, the more confident you become. And don’t underestimate the value of starting anywhere.

Related posts:

Q&A with Lagunitas “Brewmonster” Jeremy Marshall

Trooper West Coast IPA brings together two passionate communities: craft beer fans and Iron Maiden fans. Have you found there’s a lot of crossover between those audiences, or are you introducing each group to something new? There is a huge overlap between Maiden fans and craft beer (and beer in general) fans. Iron Maiden is…

Read more

A New Era at Goshen Beverage

Longtime employees Eric Landes and Tyler Clark bring fresh energy, deep customer relationships, and a community-first vision to a West Chester favorite. Since 1981, Goshen Beverage has been a familiar stop for beer shoppers in the West Chester community. Over the decades, the store has built its reputation not only on selection and service, but…

Read more