At the heart of the beer industry, women and non-binary leaders are not just breaking barriers – they are reshaping the future of brewing. While International Women’s Day serves as a reminder of the ongoing journey toward gender equality, we believe it’s essential to spotlight the contributions and achievements of these trailblazers all year round.
Their leadership, vision, and determination are creating opportunities and forging new paths, challenging the status quo, and making room for the next generation of women and non-binary people to thrive in the traditionally male-dominated industry. Celebrating these remarkable individuals every day highlights the progress we’ve made and the continued work needed to build a more inclusive and diverse beer industry for all.
Tiffany Waldron’s career in the beer industry is a story of evolution, passion, and an unwavering commitment to personal growth.
From her early days in Australia to her current role in Austin, Texas, Waldron’s journey has taken her through various roles, all while expanding her expertise and advocating for a more inclusive beer culture.
Originally from Australia, Waldron’s entry into the beer industry wasn’t born out of a traditional brewing background but from her love of the industry and the people within it.
“As someone who has never worked in the science or brewing side of the beer industry, I ended up working in beer when I realised that I could use my skills to further an industry I was passionate about,” she says. “It started with finding people who enjoyed talking about what they were drinking and snowballed into a new career.”
Her journey into the beer world began by connecting with people who shared her enthusiasm for the product. As she immersed herself in the industry, she quickly realised that it was more than just about beer – it was about community.
“I enjoyed the people I met and the constant opportunity to welcome new people into the community,” she reflects. This love for the people and the dynamic nature of the industry has fuelled her continued success.
After 15 years in the Australian beer industry, Waldron made the move to the US, where she now works as a Key Account Manager for John I. Haas, a company that also owns Hop Products Australia (HPA). In this role, she has found a new passion in learning about hops and sharing her knowledge of Australian hops with the US market.
“I am absolutely loving learning everything I can about hops. And being able to share the greatness of Aussie hops in the US is the most fun,” she says.
Throughout her career, Waldron has worked in a variety of roles, both in large corporations and smaller businesses. This broad experience has provided her with a wealth of knowledge, particularly in understanding how different parts of the beer industry function.
“Working in beer has always been the most rewarding because of the (mostly) great people who are also passionate and caring,” she shares. Her diverse background has equipped her with a unique perspective, making her a well-rounded professional who is able to navigate both the technical and human aspects of the beer industry.
Waldron’s contributions extend beyond her day-to-day work with hops. She has also been heavily involved with the Pink Boots Society, an organisation that supports women and non-binary people in the beer industry through education and networking. After spending over a decade on the board with Pink Boots Society Australia, she is now Treasurer of the US/Global board, using her experience to help guide the organisation’s financial goals.
“Moving from over a decade on the board with Pink Boots Society Australia to a role with the US/Global board has been really rewarding,” she says. “I am able to use my experience supporting the largest chapter to achieve the financial goals as Treasurer.”
While her passion for diversity and inclusion remains a cornerstone of her work, Waldron’s career has always been focused on creating opportunities for growth and continuous learning. She encourages others in the industry to dive in and make the most of these opportunities.
“Get in and learn as much as you can from everyone you can,” she advises. “You’ll find incredible allies and a wealth of knowledge from those around you.”
Tiffany Waldron
Her career has also given her the chance to mentor and support others, an aspect she values deeply.
“Having Pink Boots meetings and events to meet new people in a new city is the absolute best,” she says, reflecting on how the connections she has made through the organisation have enriched her life both personally and professionally.
When it comes to enjoying beer, Waldron’s tastes are always evolving. Living in Austin, Texas, she has developed a particular appreciation for the traditional lager styles that are so prominent in the area.
“There are so many clean, crisp lagers around and in the Texas heat, they hit the spot,” she says.
Despite the rewards and success she’s experienced, Waldron remains grounded in her commitment to innovation and growth. Her advice to those working in the beer industry is to embrace inclusivity not only in decision-making but also in how beer is marketed.
“My advice to brewers out there is to consider how flavours and marketing can be more inclusive – don’t just market to the audience you have, ensure you’re speaking to everyone who could be your audience,” she says.
Looking back on her career, Waldron’s story is one of continued learning, personal growth, and a dedication to the craft that goes beyond brewing. From her early days in Australia to her current role in the US, she has shown that the path to success in the beer industry is built on curiosity, collaboration, and a genuine love for what you do.