This March marks the fifth anniversary of Kylie Lethbridge’s tenure as the CEO of the Independent Brewers Association (IBA). In an interview with Beer & Brewer, Lethbridge highlighted the strides made in promoting inclusivity within the brewing industry, while acknowledging that further efforts are still needed.
Reflecting on her time at the helm, Lethbridge shared that the IBA has worked diligently to create resources that support breweries in their journey toward greater inclusivity. These include a Code of Conduct and HR templates designed to provide guidance for breweries in fostering more inclusive environments.
“I’ve always felt welcomed and supported, and I’ve never experienced barriers due to my gender. However, I recognize that others may have faced challenges,” Lethbridge said. “Though the industry has made significant progress in the last five years, we must continue addressing issues like the gender pay gap and ensuring job accessibility for women.”
One of the key initiatives led by the IBA has been the development of resources aimed at assisting small, independent breweries with operational needs, including guidance on inclusivity. Lethbridge pointed to the impact of movements like #MeToo in raising awareness and pushing the issue of inclusivity to the forefront of industry discussions.
“In response, we’ve introduced various tools such as the Code of Conduct and HR services for our members,” Lethbridge explained. “These resources help businesses improve their internal policies, including those related to gender equality and inclusivity.”
Lethbridge also celebrated the industry’s evolution, noting that the IBA now boasts three women on its seven-member Board. “This is a clear indicator of the positive changes taking place, and we are proud of the contributions women are making both within the IBA and the broader brewing industry.”
As International Women’s Day approaches, the IBA is using the occasion to shine a spotlight on the women who drive its operations. Lethbridge shared that this year, the association will take the opportunity to highlight the work of the women behind the scenes—Membership Manager Emily Doughty and Head of Industry Development Sabrina Kunz—who, alongside Lethbridge, are instrumental in keeping the IBA running smoothly.
“While we often share updates through my voice, it’s important to also recognize the incredible work being done by the entire team,” Lethbridge said. “The IBA team is spread across different states, and while we don’t always have the chance to visit members in person, we thought this was a perfect opportunity to give everyone a closer look at the women supporting the IBA’s mission.”
Despite a slight delay in the release of information due to Kunz’s preparations for Cyclone Alfred in Queensland, the IBA team looks forward to sharing more about their work and celebrating the contributions of women in the brewing industry.
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