 |
| Natalie graining out at Coopersmith's, where she shadowed at a brewery for the first time. |
I have never been one to listen to others when they tell me
that I am incapable of accomplishing something. I was always the smallest girl
in my classes and at a very young age had to learn how to hold my own.
My mother signed me up for my first martial arts course at
the tender age of 6. Being the stereotypical Italian mother, she didn’t want anyone
pushing me around. I had several people tell me that I wouldn’t be able to
tough out sparing with men twice my size long enough to become a black belt. At
the age of 13 I had earned my first-degree black belt in three styles (Kempo,
Kung Fu, and Tae Kwon Do) and received the title of “Assistant Instructor”.
As a result of several family hardships, completing my
college degree was another accomplishment that many people told me I would not
do. In 2011 I graduated with an honors diploma in Biochemistry from Colorado
State University.
During my undergraduate career, I took the Brewing Science
and Technology course taught by Dr. Jack Avens. That was just the beginning of
my journey to discovering what my true passion is. I made it my mission to be
hired into the brew house at a brewery because I knew that it was what I was
meant to do. I was lucky enough to have two individuals believe in me enough to
hire me. In March of this year I received a call from one of the Funkwerks
owners, Brad Lincoln, offering me a position in production. That was the
happiest day of my life.
 |
| Natalie along with her Brewing Science and Technology instructor, Dr. Jack Avens (center). |
As a woman in the brewing industry I have encountered my
fair share of difficulties. I frequently hear “You aren’t strong enough to
carry that” and “You are a girl, you don’t know anything about beer”. A lot of
people thought I would have had quite enough of it by now. But I haven’t. I
enjoy showing people that women can be just as much of an asset to a brewery as
men. Every woman I have met that works in production at a brewery is an amazing
person in her own way. I am incredibly proud to be part of the small percentage
of women that work in a brewery.
Never let someone tell you what you are incapable of when it
comes to seeing your dreams come true.
Until next time,
Natalie
No comments:
Post a Comment