Category: Uncategorized

Name: Ana Fernanda Romero | Water Stewardship and Collective Action Senior Manager

Company: DIAGEO

Connect with Ana on LinkedIn

Welcome to our series aimed at spotlighting BIER projects.  As part of our Member and Stakeholder spotlight series featuring the individual leaders within BIER member companies and stakeholder organizations, our project spotlight series highlights BIER member companies and stakeholder organizations involved in the innovative Charco Bendito project.

Learn how these practitioners and their companies have collaborated to develop and implement this innovative, first-of-its-kind, basin-level watershed initiative addressing three main goals: water accessibility, quality, and availability. Gain insights into key learnings and what inspires each of them to advance environmental sustainability in the beverage sector and collectively, overall.

Briefly describe your role and responsibilities, how long you have worked with your company and your role/ involvement with the Charco Bendito project.

Two years ago, I was lucky to join the Corporate Relations team in DIAGEO Mexico as Government Relations Senior Manager, leading the Preserve Water for Life program in our communities. My responsibility is to ensure that our Tequila operations replenish more water than we use, invest in access to clean water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) in communities near our site, and engage in collective action to contribute to a net positive water impact.

With great enthusiasm, a year ago, I took over DIAGEO’s representation for the Charco Bendito watershed project. Since then, I have been active in this unique collective action to ensure we expand our reach and impact within the Lerma-Santiago-Pacifico basin.

What were the initial drivers or incentives that committed you to the Charco Bendito project?

Water is a precious and shared resource that is facing increasing pressure. At DIAGEO we are committed to water stewardship. Our Spirit of Progress: Society 2030, a key part of our ESG agenda recognizes that collective actions like Charco Bendito will support building water resilience in a water stress basin in Lerma-Santiago-Pacifico, where our tequila operations are based.

How has the company’s involvement in Charco Bendito evolved over the course of the project, and what do you hope can be achieved in the future?

DIAGEO joined Charco Bendito in 2021 and has been highly active ever since. Together with our peers, we have participated in internal committees and engaged our Don Julio collaborators in this initiative, fostering strong collaboration and shared commitment.

In 2023, a fire unfortunately impacted Charco Bendito, requiring urgent action to restore the area. DIAGEO rose to the reforestation challenge, mobilizing 130 collaborators who, in just five days, planted over 12,000 plants across 24 hectares of the 40 hectares damaged.

This year, with the support of 165 collaborators, we planted an additional 13,000+ plants, contributing to 65% of Charco Bendito’s reforestation efforts for the year.

To date, we have supported the recovery of 50.4 hectares out of the 300 hectares the project aims to restore—an area equivalent to 76.4 football fields.

Learn more about Ana Fernanda Romero in this BIER Member Spotlight.

KFC

At KFC, we believe in feeding people’s potential – not only through our food but also by creating opportunities that drive change. As part of our unwavering commitment to gender balance and youth empowerment, we proudly partnered with Plan International to host a “Girls Takeover” — a global initiative aimed at amplifying the voices of young women and providing them with leadership opportunities — at our offices in Plano, Texas, U.S., and Bangkok, Thailand.

Empowering the Next Generation

From providing perspectives on key projects alongside senior executives to teaching ~100 KFC employees a TikTok dance, the youth participants gained insights into what it takes to lead strategy and drive culture at a global brand.

Throughout the day, KFC employees worked alongside these young women, fostering meaningful conversations about the importance of heart-led leadership and the role businesses play in driving change for future generations. It was a moment of mutual learning – while the participants gained confidence in their ability to lead, our team was inspired by their fresh perspectives and bold ambitions.

Check out the video to learn more about the Girls Takeover at KFC offices!

Feeding Potential: Unlocking Skills & Opportunities

We recognize that a one-day leadership experience isn’t enough; it’s a part of something bigger. KFC is committed to unlocking skills and opportunities for youth and young women worldwide. By investing in mentorship, leadership development and skill-building programs, we aim to pave the way for future generations to break barriers and achieve their fullest potential.

Why This Matters & What’s Next

The Girls Takeover was a powerful reminder that when young women have the opportunity to lead, they bring fresh ideas, new energy and a perspective that drives meaningful discussions and outcomes.

Beyond this latest activation, KFC remains committed to feeding people’s potential through:

Providing ongoing upskilling and development opportunities for youth, women, refugees and people with disabilities.Continuing to collaborate with incredible organizations, like Plan International, to create real, lasting impact.

We’re proud to have been part of this initiative and look forward to continuing our journey toward a future filled with opportunity and belonging for all.

Join us in celebrating the future of leadership – one where there’s room for all people and voices at all tables.