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 31, 2026. The BREW Advisory Board will notify winners no later than September 15, 2026.
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.
2025 Freida G. Maisel Trailblazer Award Winners
recognized an outstanding industry leader and an organization committed to advancing women in beer and beverage distribution. Watch the videos below to learn more about their impactful work.
- Sue McCollum, owner and CEO of Eagle Brand Sales and Double Eagle Distributing was recognized for her leadership and dedication to advancing women in the beer distribution industry
- Manhattan Beer & Beverage Distributors received the Freida G. Maisel Trailblazer Award for its commitment to expanding opportunities for women across the industry
Sue McCollum
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Manhattan Beer & Beverage Distributors
Previous Award Recipients
2024 Freida G. Maisel Award Winners
In its second year, the Freida G. Maisel Award honored an individual leader and an organization making a meaningful impact in advancing women in beer and beverage distribution.
- Laurie Brown, Brown Distributing (Austin, TX)
Brown received the Freida G. Maisel Trailblazer Award for her leadership and commitment to advancing women in the beer distribution industry. - Glazer’s Beer and Beverage
Glazer’s Beer and Beverage was recognized with the Freida G. Maisel Trailblazer Award for fostering a supportive environment that promotes women’s professional growth.
2023 Freida G. Maisel Award Winners
The inaugural year of the Freida G. Maisel Award recognized two accomplished leaders whose work has driven both business success and greater inclusion within the beer distribution industry.
- Michele Connors, Owner, S.R. Perrott, Inc.
Connors’ hands-on leadership has helped her 100% female-owned company achieve strong business results while advancing inclusivity. - Jennifer Grant, General Manager & Vice President, Markstein Sales Company
Grant established a mentoring program that provides female team members with personalized guidance, support, and peer-to-peer insight.
Laurie Brown
Glazer’s Beer and Beverage
Michele Connors
Jennifer Grant