MEET AMANDA

Q1

What inspired you to create Dream Big Darling in 2018?  

“The impetus for creating Dream Big was being in the wine and beverage industry for several years—specifically in agriculture—and seeing that there weren’t many people like me, specifically young women, at the table.   

We know that in the wine and beverage industry that our audience is very gender-diverse (with room to grow), but there has been a narrow group driving the narrative. I believed the next step to addressing a broader community was to focus on evolving female leaders in the industry so they could help shape what’s to come and to represent the needs of half the population, which is women.”

Q2

How do you think that affects a person’s professional journey?  

“I started observing younger women in the workforce as they transitioned in their career and realized that by not having many examples of people who represented us, we were putting ourselves at a disadvantage. For example, oftentimes women are faced with the difficult decision of choosing a career or a family and not having both, but it’s not an all-or-nothing situation.  But in this as in many other things, it’s difficult to imagine yourself doing something or following a path if you can’t see someone who looks like you—or perhaps has experienced some of the things you’ve experienced or are experiencing—succeed.”   

Q3

Who does Dream Big Darling seek to elevate?  

“We’re looking for people who have very high potential but have not quite made it yet. We’re trying to help people who are at the beginning of their career and who would deeply benefit from the community and insight we offer, as access to this at the early stage means your chances for success are far greater. Also, our attendees are mainly based in the U.S. but we’ve had a number of international women participate. It’s really just a matter of whether we can help you on your journey right now.”  

Q4

How did you come up with the name Dream Big Darling? 

“Growing up, my grandmother called me “darling” and to me, it signifies both endearment and empowerment. And I believe that “dreaming big” is something that we could use more of in this world. Throughout my own career, I have been blessed by caring mentors who have helped me do just that. The same is true for everyone on our leadership team. Now it is our turn to give back and change lives.” 

Q5

Who are the women who have shaped you in your own life?  

There were two women who had dramatically shaped my life outside of my mother. One was my grandmother, who I mentioned earlier. She grew up in the early 20th century in America, experiencing  poverty, war, and a number of issues, but she always lived her life with a mentality of abundance. I think she realized how sacred each moment was and how simple moments are often the most beautiful. When she passed away at 83 there were hundreds of people at her funeral who talked about how she had touched them with her kindness, love and giving spirit.  

The other woman who inspires me is my daughter Cecelia. I remember right after she was born I was thinking, how am I going to help change the world so that it’s left even better for this generation? What legacy can I provide to leave the world a better place for her? We’ve made a lot of headway on gender equality but I want to be part of the continued positive action. I know the next generation has a ton to offer…they have incredible skill sets and drive but this just needs to be utilized in a way that’s different. They need to have the privilege of sharing their ideas.  

Q6

Finally, what’s your own dream for the organization and for women in the industry?  

My dream would be for this to no longer be needed! And that the people we are affecting transition into leadership roles, and the principles of what they’re learning—about how to be a leader—begin to shape our industry as whole, resulting in more collaboration and varied perspectives and an overall inclusive culture that brings out the best parts of us all.  Making wine and agriculture more approachable and inviting more guests to our table as an industry.