Today we’d like to introduce you to Shelly Lungstrum.
Hi Shelly, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today.
I am a California native, as I grew up in Vacaville, CA about 35 minutes North East of Napa Valley. I went to college at California State University Monterey Bay where I was a division two soccer player.
I graduated with a degree in Business Administration, majoring in International Business with a minor in Spanish. I studied abroad in Barcelona, Spain in 2009 where I grew a liking for the Latin culture which led me to move to Miami, FL in 2012 for an internship with the Miami Marlins.
Shortly after this internship in the summer of 2013, I found my way to Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits on the Special Events team, where I worked under Lee Schrager for nine years, overseeing supplier participation and operations for the South Beach Wine and Food Festival.
I am also the creator of the DEI Leadership course at The Chaplin School of Hospitality and Tourism Management at Florida International University. This course was created to help build diverse leaders in the Hospitality Industry. I recently transitioned into Sponsorship Manager for BACARDI USA where I continue to grow my skillset and love for the Beverage Alcohol Industry.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I don’t think anything ever comes easy, but that is how you build, learn and grow. You learn who you are and what your greatest capabilities are when you’re under pressure and being challenged. I would say navigating my way through my industry, I have realized how male-dominated it is and look forward to continuing to be an advocate for women.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Sponsorship Manager for BACARDI USA. What sets me apart from others and what I pride myself on, is being a kind person who cares and puts forth their best attitude and skillset. I am a loyal person, committed and tenacious. I have the drive and willingness to succeed and try to elevate all those I interact with. I love to have fun and I am very hospitable and will make the best out of every experience and or opportunity that I come across.
I am a strong negotiator and have a knack for networking and connecting brands to business opportunities. I am most proud of my journey of moving across the country to pursue a career. In this new role with BACARDI, I encourage you all to check out our events and get a taste of BACARDI life.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
My mom has undoubtedly been my biggest supporter and cheerleader. I would not be where I am today without her. My grandmother also played a huge role as she was always supportive of me pursuing my dreams and building a career.
I also want to shout out John Wittig, Chief Commercial Officer at SGWS as he mentored me for three years and gave me the best business and decision-making advice. He helped me learn the value of being patient and believing in myself. I would also like to give credit to Lee Schrager, SVP, Communications and Corporates Social Responsibility at SGWS. I learned so much from working with him for nine years and the ins and outs of the Beverage Alcohol industry.
Lastly, I would like to give credit to Stephen Von Oehsen, SVP, of Strategic Management at SGWS. He was my biggest supporter and teammate in helping me bring to life my Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Course and Equity in Action Alliance at the Florida International University Chaplin School of Hospitality and Tourism Management.
Image Credits
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