Meet the mentee: Angela Salinas, Koval Distillery
With a background in theatre, Illinois market manager for Koval Distillery, Angela Salinas, has often felt she doesn’t belong in whisky. She explains how a life-changing moment with her mentor and grounding experiences with her fellow acorns have made her feel seen.
OurWhisky Foundation: Hi Angela! What’s new with you?
Angel Salinas: I’ve been promoted at my current company! I fought for that recognition and earned the role as the Illinois market manager at Koval Distillery.
OWF: Congratulations! Tell us a little bit about yourself and what your role entails.
AS: I currently live in Chicago, Illinois, though I’m originally from Fresno, California. I’m the youngest of five siblings – and the only girl – in a large Mexican family, which I cherished being part of growing up. I moved to Chicago eight years ago for a job at the Goodman Theatre, after spending over a decade working in professional theatre across the United States. I transitioned to the whisky industry three years ago.
As a market manager for Koval Distillery, I oversee the execution of sales, marketing and promotional strategies in Illinois. I build and nurture strong relationships with distributors, buyers and bartenders across the state, fostering collaboration and driving growth.
The most rewarding part of my role, however, is engaging directly with consumers. Whether it's hosting happy hours or tastings, giving a distillery tour, or delivering masterclasses, I’m at my best when connecting with people and sharing my passion for whisky and gin.
“When I read about the incredible women involved and saw how the Atonia Programme was designed to address exactly what I had been seeking, I felt an overwhelming sense of affirmation.”
OWF: What were your thoughts on your future career when you were growing up?
AS: Growing up, all I ever wanted was to work in theatre. Over the years, I’ve done it all: acting, lighting design, stage management, production management and everything in between. Theatre shaped my confidence, honed my public speaking skills and instilled in me a lifelong love of Shakespeare.
Leaving the industry was a necessary yet heart-wrenching decision. For seven incredible years, I ran my own storefront theatre in Chicago, fulfilling a dream I’d cherished for so long. But, as it turns out, the universe had other plans for me
OWF: When did your love of whisky begin and why?
AS: My love for whisky began back in college with my childhood best friend. We’d sit together, smoking cigars and sipping the cheapest whiskey we could afford. It became our tradition for deep, catch-up conversations about life and our futures. Back then, it wasn’t so much about the whiskey itself, but the ritual, the way this particular spirit became intertwined with meaningful moments. Even now, those memories come flooding back whenever I pour a dram.
When I moved to Chicago, my appreciation for whisky grew deeper. With the city’s vibrant cocktail culture I began exploring new whiskies and quickly fell in love with the complexity and character of this timeless spirit.
Today, few things bring me more joy than sharing a peaty Scotch with my closest friends – laughing, crying and creating memories that will last a lifetime.
Life-changing mentorship: Salinas’ mentor changed her perspective profoundly.
OWF: Why did you apply for the OurWhisky Foundation Atonia Programme?
AS: I applied to the mentorship programme because I craved a sense of community and guidance. As someone still relatively new to this industry, I’ve often felt lost and isolated. I left an industry where I was confident and thriving, and I was searching for that feeling in this new career.
I joined the Women Who Whiskey chapter here in Chicago where I met Sydney Jones of Heaven Hill. One day she posted about the OurWhisky programme. When I read about the incredible women involved and saw how the programme was designed to address exactly what I had been seeking, I felt an overwhelming sense of affirmation. I knew I had to apply and take my shot. Being accepted into the programme has been one of my proudest accomplishments so far.
OWF: What were the biggest challenges for you in progressing your career?
AS: My biggest challenge has been battling my imposter syndrome. As someone new to the industry, I often felt like I could never measure up. I questioned my intelligence, my worth, and even my palate at times. I had a habit of shrinking myself in spaces where I felt I didn’t belong, convinced that I had no business being there.
“In the midst of my chaotic, fast-paced world, coming together as a group felt like hitting the reset button – a moment of re-calibration and connection that I deeply valued.”
OWF: How did you work with your mentor to overcome these?
AS: One of the most impactful ways my mentor, Lynn House (national spirits specialist at Heaven Hill Brands), helped me overcome imposter syndrome was by creating a safe space for vulnerable conversations. Having been conditioned to view vulnerability as a weakness, I avoided it at all costs and battled my insecurities in silence for years.
However, hearing my mentor share her own experiences changed everything. She made me feel truly heard and seen, reminding me that I wasn’t crazy or incapable.
Even now, in moments of self-doubt, I know Lynn will always be there to help me reconnect with my strengths and potential.
OWF: What was an ‘a-ha!’ moment for you in the programme?
AS: I had many, but one of the first – and most memorable – came during my very first conversation with Lynn. I had recently interviewed with a well-known Scotch brand, but didn’t make it past the second round. Later, someone who worked with them told me that my appearance, specifically my hair, was likely the reason. “They probably took one look at you and said, no," they said. "You don’t have the look of luxury.” I was devastated and hurt.
When I shared this story with Lynn, she told me something that completely changed my perspective. She said, “Don’t change a single thing about your appearance. Be proud of how you present yourself because the right company will want you exactly as you are.”
That was the moment I realised that this mentorship would profoundly change my life for the better. I walked away with my head raised a bit higher that day.
OWF: What are you working on at the moment?
AS: Currently, I’m working on furthering my spirits education and looking ahead in the industry. My goal for 2025 is to receive my WSET Level 2 and CSS certifications. With that, I hope to one day work as a global brand advocate for a legacy brand. Chartreuse, if you’re hiring, call me.
Women in leadership: Salinas wants to see more women of colour at the top.
OWF: What was your favourite part of the entire mentorship programme?
AS: As much as I cherished my time with my mentor, I have to say that meeting the other women and hearing their stories was my favourite part. Our monthly meetings always began with sharing our wins and struggles, and for me, this ritual was incredibly grounding.
In the midst of my chaotic, fast-paced world, coming together as a group felt like hitting the reset button – a moment of re-calibration and connection that I deeply valued.
OWF: How has this experience changed how you feel about being a woman in this industry?
AS: It rewired my mindset to see that being a woman is a superpower, not a disadvantage. It taught me that vulnerability is a strength, not a weakness, and that taking up space in this industry is not just pivotal – it’s our right as women.
“Trust me, the women, mentors, and leaders in this programme are here with your best interests at heart. They’ll challenge you, support you and lift you up when you need it most. Let yourself be open to the journey, you won’t regret it.”
OWF: How has this programme empowered you to empower others?
AS: It empowered me not only to encourage other women to embrace their power, but also to lead by example – showing how support and community can transform confidence and well-being. It empowered me to remind others that asking for help and leaning on one another is not just okay, it’s essential.
Supporting other women is so important because we’re all in this together. This industry is filled with incredible, badass women we can all learn from, and by uplifting each other, we create a stronger, more empowering community for everyone.
OWF: What advice would you give someone applying for or starting the programme?
AS: Approach this programme with an open heart and mind. If you’re not ready to be vulnerable or engage in deep self-reflection, you might miss out on the full experience. Lean into the discomfort – it’s where the growth happens.
Trust me, the women, mentors, and leaders in this programme are here with your best interests at heart. They’ll challenge you, support you and lift you up when you need it most. Let yourself be open to the journey, you won’t regret it.
OWF: What are your hopes for the future for women working in whisky?
AS: I hope to see more women in leadership roles, especially women of colour. We are capable of so much more than the industry often recognises or credits us for. It’s time to trust women, uplift women and give us the opportunities and roles we have rightfully earned and deserve.
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