Working Outside of the Box

Congrats to Chef Traver! CIA certified!

Congrats Master Distiller McCall!

We are thrilled to announce that Elizabeth McCall has been named Master Distiller, succeeding Chris Morris, who will assume the role of Master Distiller Emeritus. Elizabeth has been training for the Master Distiller role for over a decade under Chris's mentorship.

“I am humbled to stand upon the foundation built by Chris Morris, who is one of the most well-known and respected Master Distillers in the world. I look forward to following in his footsteps and crafting the world’s finest bourbon." - Elizabeth McCall

“I am proud of and confident in Elizabeth’s ability to maintain the award-winning flavor profile of the Woodford Reserve family into the next generation. Her inquisitive nature bodes well for those who have come to expect innovative flavor concepts from our Master’s Collection and Distillery Series offerings. The future couldn’t be more promising for Woodford Reserve." - Chris Morris

Cheers to many more years of the world's finest whiskey!

Valerie Thomas (1943 - ) was born in Maryland and, despite the social norms of the time that discouraged girls - especially Black girls - from STEM studies, had an early interest in science. She watched her father tinker on household appliances and, at age eight, read The Boys First Book on Electronics, which inspired her to pursue science in her studies at her all-girls school. While her early teachers did not encourage her and she did not have much support from her parents, Thomas attended Morgan State University and was one of two women majoring in physics. After graduating, she went on to work for NASA; first as a data analyst supporting satellite systems, then overseeing the creation of the longest running satellite imagery program, Landsat. Eventually, Thomas invented and patented an illusion transmitter that allows 3D images to be transmitted over long ranges using a series of mirrors and lenses. The technology is still in use by NASA today. Through her career, Thomas worked her way up to become associate chief of the Space Science Data Operations Office at NASA and participated in projects related to Halley's Comet, ozone research, satellite technology and the Voyager spacecraft. Since her retirement, she has mentored countless students through various organizations, including the Goddard Space Flight Center.

today and every day!

For International Women's Day 2021 and beyond will you #ChooseToChallenge? We can all choose to challenge and call out gender bias and inequality. We can all choose to seek out and celebrate women's achievements. Collectively, we ca...

Way to go, Sarah!

Sarah Thomas will become the first woman to officiate a Super Bowl Thomas will work as a down judge at Super Bowl LV in Tampa Bay next month.

Well done!

Kim Ng becomes highest-ranking woman in MLB operations Kim Ng is believed to be the first female general manager for a men’s team in a major professional sport in North America, the Marlins said.

Don't forget to vote on November 3rd. Learn about the candidates on your local ballot and more at https://www.lwv.org/elections/vote411

Did you know? Less than 25 percent of chefs and restaurateurs are women? Our Hospitality faculty share the women who have inspired them in the culinary field and at the same time serve as role models to our female students.

Chicago Chef Makes History as First Black Woman Awarded Michelin Star Chicago chef Mariya Russell is very soft spoken. She’s even a bit shy in person. But when she starts gushing about food, she immediately lights up. And once Russell’s in her work kitchen—which cranks out globally inspired fare for dual establishments Kikko and Kumiko—she truly allows her foo...

All-women Delta crew flies 120 girls to NASA to encourage female aviators