At IMI Agency, leadership isn’t just about driving success—it’s about inspiring change, fostering innovation, and creating opportunities for others to thrive. In honor of Women’s History Month, we’re highlighting the incredible women who play a pivotal role in shaping IMI and the beverage and hospitality arena as a whole.

These leaders have navigated challenges, broken barriers, and paved the way for the next generation of women in the field. In this spotlight feature interview, they share their personal journeys, the lessons they’ve learned, and their vision for the future of women in leadership. Their insights serve as a testament to the power of perseverance, mentorship, and the impact of strong female leadership.

Team: Celeste Dinos, Vice President & Partner; Tina Nalazek, Senior Accountant; Sherry King, Chief Financial Officer & Partner; Ashley Collins, Art Director; Rachel Morgan, Director of Technology + Innovation; Jean Breunle, Production Manager; Jeanette Rolla, Director of Accounts & IMI Events; Isabel O’Cathey, Senior Account Manager & IMI Events

What challenges have you faced as a woman in your career, and how did you overcome them?

Tina: “One of the challenges was prioritizing what was important to me. Things are constantly changing, especially now. You need to be able to make those changes quickly and be flexible.”

Isabel: “In my early career, I struggled with providing opinions within a group discussion in a corporate environment. After years of seeing strong women mentors lead with confidence and kindness – bringing value to discussions – my self-awareness to both ‘listen’ to a conversation and respond with intentional solution-oriented input has been a fundamental building block to my personal and professional growth. An ability to feel emboldened to give your opinion, but with the cautiousness of a truly strategic ‘listener’ who provides value in the most organic way.”

Jeanette: “Definitely has to be learning how to balance being emotionally invested with staying grounded in tough situations. Earlier in my career, I wore my heart on my sleeve—whether it was excitement, frustration, or disappointment. In hospitality and beverage, where so much is personal – your craft, your relationships, your reputation, it’s easy to let emotions drive your reactions. Over time, I learned the power of pausing, taking a step back, and not letting emotions cloud my judgment. That doesn’t mean losing passion or empathy – those are strengths – but learning when and how to channel them. The moment I realized that staying calm and clear, especially under pressure, earned me more respect and influence was a turning point in how I led teams and handled challenges.”

Rachel: “When I began to focus my career in innovative technologies, about 15 years ago, I noticed very quickly that I would most likely be the only woman in a room or on a call. I found that very intimidating and struggled to find my voice. Still, management continued to invite me to various meetings, so I kept walking into the rooms, sitting on the calls, and forced myself to speak up when I knew I could have a positive impact on the project. I don’t know when it happened, but eventually I no longer noticed when I was the only woman present, and I don’t think anyone would describe me of lacking a voice in a meeting. I believe I was able to overcome those insecurities, because I kept leaning into them rather than shying away until I no longer felt them.”

Celeste: “Prior to working with IMI, I was employed at an ad agency in Atlanta. It was a small agency, so we wore many hats and learned all facets of the agency business. The owner though was challenging and a bit dismissive toward women. The fact that just prior to me joining the company, his entire female staff walked out on him, should have been a red flag. Anyway, I stayed 2 ½ years, as it was my first “real” job out of college and back then it looked bad on a resume to be employed somewhere less than 2 years. I took the environment in stride and know the experience set me up to appreciate my next boss all the more, Don Billings at IMI. Don was the complete opposite and a breath of fresh air.”

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned as a woman throughout your personal and professional life?

Tina: “Making the best of each moment. Life is short! When you are in your twenties you are in a hurry to get through school and get started in your career or even start a family. Before you know it, you are in your thirties, forties and fifties, etc. We are never promised tomorrow so live life as best as possible with full intention.”

Jean: “There are two lessons that were important for me. The first thing I’ve learned over the years and that is to recognize your talents and lean into them. When you realize what your unique skill set is and you get to do a job that uses that skill set, everything falls into place!

The second biggest lesson is don’t chase the money. When you find yourself doing what you love, you do it well, and the compensation will follow.”

Who are some of the women who have inspired or mentored you along the way? Is there a specific memory that still sticks with you to this day?

Sherry: “I had two women that were important to my career. One was close to my age when I started in accounting and finance. She was a great teacher and gave me tools that I still try to use to this day.  The second came along when I was farther along in my career.  She was already very successful in her career, but she listened to my ideas and allowed me to move forward with them.  My plan was then used across the company as the format for budgeting the company’s projects on a national level.”

Isabel: “My very first real corporate job out of college at Ted’s Montana Grill I had the opportunity to work with a wonderful group of women who I really respected. Shout out – Kristi Nyhof, Jessica Smith, Debi Diaz and Nancy Furr!”

Jeanette: “Two of the women who inspired me most were former bosses – They led with compassion and kindness, always putting the team first while expertly balancing client relationships. Watching them navigate challenging situations with grace, never losing sight of the people around them, taught me that you can be both empathetic and effective. They showed me that strength isn’t about being the loudest in the room – it’s about earning trust, creating space for others to succeed, and leading by example. That’s the kind of leader I strive to be.”

Rachel: “Both Celeste Dinos and Sherry King have mentored me at times during my career at IMI, and I am so appreciative of them both. There have been times when I have needed to reach out to one of them, or both, and they have always been there for me to help or lend an ear. I don’t know if there is a specific memory per se, but I always find a steadiness in their leadership that I try to emulate for my team as well.”

Celeste: “One was Julia Roberts (“the other Julia Roberts”) who was my mentor at the ad agency and introduced me to Don Billings! A second is Mary Melton, who I first met 20-years ago, when she became the Beverage Director for P.F. Chang’s. She shared a multitude of beverage specific knowledge that helped me so much in those early years. Truly, so many women in the on-premise beverage sales channel have been an inspiration to me; from their creativity to the openness and willingness to share life experiences.”

What is one piece of advice you wish you had received earlier in your career?

Tina: “Know what you are worth and never sell yourself short.”

Sherry: “Continue reading and learning, even if it is outside your profession.”

Jeanette: “Relationships are your most valuable currency in this industry. It’s easy to get caught up in chasing titles or focusing solely on the next role, but this business is built on the trust and respect you cultivate over time—with your teams, your partners, and your guests. Protect your reputation, show up consistently, and invest in those connections. They’ll carry you further than any job description ever will.”

How does IMI foster an environment that supports and uplifts women in the company?

Sherry: “IMI has always employed a large percentage of women, many holding senior level positions.  Allowing women to play a large role in the company has helped nurture a welcoming culture and environment.”

Isabel: “IMI supports their entire TEAM all year long through a caring and positive environment – it’s an honor to be recognized as one of our MANY talented and creative women in leadership at IMI Agency.”

Jeanette: “They create space for us to engage directly with leadership and trust us with meaningful communications and projects. Our voices are valued in decision making. A great example of that for me was being tasked with leading the B4 Summit for our clients and partners in 2023. It was an incredible opportunity to represent the company, shape the experience and strengthen relationships across the industry. That level of trust and support empowers women here to grow and lead.”

Ashley: “At IMI, a culture of positivity naturally flourishes, empowering women as a driving force behind our success. With a results-driven mindset, we ensure efficiency, collaboration, and innovation at every stage of a project. Our ability to make informed decisions while balancing multiple priorities keeps IMI teams agile and focused. IMI is proud to foster an environment where women’s strengths are recognized, supported, and celebrated, allowing them to excel and make a meaningful impact.”

Celeste: “IMI Sr Management truly respects and admires the work ethic, organization abilities, and creative skillset of women. They are the most equal opportunity employer I have ever worked for…probably a big reason I have stayed and flourished with IMI for 26-years.”

Can you share a moment in your career where you felt especially proud?

Tina: “I have always had an entrepreneurial spirit and I’m especially proud of the day my husband and I opened our own restaurant in our hometown.”

Sherry: “Any time I’ve assisted a peer or a client with a project that helps them reach their goal.”

Rachel: “Last year we launched a new platform called IMIManage RFP Pro to the industry. It was a massive initiative, but the success truly lies with the IMI Tech team. Our team worked tirelessly to onboard users, most of which were done within 1-business day, and showed a level of professionalism that made me proud to have the opportunity to lead them. They are the best team in the industry, and I am so proud of them.”

Celeste: “Every single day that I get to watch the IMI team out in the field, just doing what we love to do, Building Better Beverage Business™.”

How have you seen the role of women evolve in the beverage and hospitality space? What are the biggest opportunities for women in the industry right now?

Isabel: “More female managers being promoted from within and a focused effort by companies to invest in a balanced workforce in the higher-level management roles for women specifically.”

Celeste: “26-years ago there were definitely fewer women in On-Premise National Account sales. Now the ratio seems closer to 50/50.”

How can companies and individuals continue to support and uplift women beyond just one month of recognition?

Tina: “By having supportive policies that promote gender equality for advancement opportunities that would include equal pay, professional development and flexible work policies along with transparency.”

Sherry: “I think understanding that women, in general, take their responsibilities very seriously. Listening to and supporting their ideas, understanding their challenges inside and outside the organization.  We tend to wear many hats and that can be overwhelming.”

What is your approach to mentoring the next generation of leaders?

Tina: “Inspiring the next generation is about embracing new approaches that empower the next generation to become confident leaders. If we understand the generational difference and embrace them, we will build lasting relationships that cultivate leaders that feel valued, energized and are resilient to bring an organization to the next level.”

Sherry: “Treating each person with fairness and respect and expecting that they do the same. Not holding back in sharing my experience and knowledge in ways that they may not have seen before.”

Isabel: “Do the hard work on the front end and your efforts will pay off into the beautiful life you envisioned for yourself and your family. We are the lucky ones!”

Jean: “I’ve had some wonderful women mentors over my career and learned so much from each of them that has shaped how I approach my work. I prefer to show and teach and give those I work with the opportunity to learn for themselves. My goal in managing people is to ultimately train them to be better than I ever was! These were some of the recurring themes from all my mentors:

Dress for work, not the weekend. Do your job, and then some. Don’t make excuses. Always have your team’s back. Accept responsibility for mistakes. Celebrate wins.”

Jeanette: “My approach to mentoring is about leading by example. I make a point to be transparent – sharing not just the wins, but also the challenges and mistakes that I have faced. I’ve learned that growth often comes from seeing how someone navigates tough moments, not just the polished successes. I want the next generation to understand that leadership isn’t about having all the answers, but about showing up consistently, making an effort, and owning your decisions. And never ask anyone to do something you wouldn’t do yourself!”

Rachel: “I want to pass along as much knowledge to them as possible and help them become more confident in themselves and what they bring to the team. This new generation began using technology at a very early age, and I believe that is an asset for us. I try to encourage them to speak up and voice their opinions, encourage them as much as possible, and teach them how to learn from their mistakes and create solutions or processes that will prevent them in the future.”

Celeste: It is a joy to build professional and personal relationships with teammates, generate an environment and provide the tools they need to flourish, and then watch them spread their wings and fly. Being their cheerleader, watching them soar and achieve, is truly rewarding!”