Freida G. Maisel Trailblazer Award

Celebrate people and companies who elevate women in beer distribution with the Freida G. Maisel Trailblazer Award!

This annual award honors the legacy of an iconic figure in the beer distribution industry. The first woman to outright own a beer distributorship, Freida broke barriers and empowered the next generation of female leaders.

Two awards will be given out this year:

The individual award is given to an NBWA distributor member employee who has:

Demonstrated groundbreaking industry leadership
Led measurable efforts to drive change in their organization leading to the advancement for women in the industry.

The company award is given to an NBWA distributor member company that has:

Fostered a supportive environment for women’s growth
Led measurable efforts to drive change in their organization leading to the advancement for women in the industry.

Click below to submit your nominee(s). Nominations will be accepted through August 15, 2025. The BREW Advisory Board will notify winners no later than September 15, 2025.

Nominate for Individual Award

Nominate for Company Award

The Life and Legacy of Freida G. Maisel

Freida shattered glass ceilings during her accomplished life, building a small Alabama beverage distributor into a regional leader employing nearly 2,000 people. This award honors her trailblazing legacy by shining a light on today’s most exciting efforts to recruit, develop and advance women in the beer distribution industry.

2024 Freida G. Maisel Trailblazer Award Winners

The second annual year of the Freida G. Maisel Award honored an outstanding industry leader and an organization dedicated to advancing women in the field. View the videos below to learn more about their impactful work in beer and beverage distribution.

Laurie Brown of Brown Distributing in Austin, TX received the Freida G. Maisel Trailblazer Award for advancing women in the beer distribution industry
Glazer’s Beer and Beverage received the Freida G. Maisel Trailblazer Award for fostering a supportive environment for women’s professional growth.

Laurie Brown

Glazer’s Beer and Beverage

2023 Winners

The inaugural year of the Freida G. Maisel Award saw two accomplished leaders recognized. Watch videos highlighting their work below!

Michele Connors is the owner of S.R. Perrott, Inc. Her hands-on leadership has helped her 100% female-owned company drive big results in both business and inclusivity.
Jennifer Grant is General Manager & Vice President of Markstein Sales Company. She established a mentoring program to provide female team members with the opportunity to receive personalized guidance, support and insight from their peers.