Say Hello to Maria Mendez, Washington D.C. On-Premise Area Sales Manager
Hello Heaven Hill: Monthly Employee Q&A Series
Say hello to Maria Mendez, Washington D.C. On-Premise Area Sales Manager. Check out the series of questions below to learn a bit more about Maria.
How long have you been part of the Heaven Hill family?
I have proudly been part of the Heaven Hill Family for almost 3 years.
What’s inspiring you in life right now?
I’m currently reading Living Buddha, Living Christ by Thich Nhat Hanh, listening to the podcast “Revisionist History” by Malcolm Gladwell, and meditating.
Best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
We as humans evolve in many aspects of life. As I look back every stage of my life, wisdom came with any advice that carried me through that particular growth. One in particular that means a lot even though it’s short is Fortis Fortuna Adiuvat (Fortune favors the bold) you’ll never get anything if you don’t seek it.
Tell us about an organization or cause you are passionate about.
I have two organizations that are dear to my heart.
First is the DC Central Kitchen which combats hunger in the nation’s capital and creates opportunities through culinary training. Jose Andres is a Chairman Emeritus and the founder of the organization’s annual fundraiser, the Capital Food Fight. I had the honor to sponsor the VIP closing reception last year with our amazing brands like Sacred Bond, Larceny, Dubonnet, and Elijah Craig.
Second runner up is Chefs for Equality. Heaven Hill has proudly supported this organization for the last two years in a row with Sacred Bond, Lunazul, Elijah Craig, Dubonnet, and Larceny. Chefs for Equality can be best described by David Hagedorn, food writer and Chefs for Equality Co-Chair: “At Chefs for Equality, over 150 of Washington’s greatest chefs, bakers and mixologists create spectacular food and drinks in the name of full LGBTQ equality. This year’s theme, Stirred, Not Shaken, means that rather than be cowed by attacks on our most marginalized communities — including immigrants, the transgender and non-binary community, people of color and women — the chef community will fight even harder to protect and promote equality.”
What’s your favorite time of day?
Morning for sure!
What are three things you can’t live without?
Music, Bourbon, and skin care
Secret talent?
I love to decorate using Feng Shui in my home, and garden.
A skill you’re working on mastering?
I’m trying my hand at gardening edible flowers. I want my cocktails to look as good as our brands taste.
What 3 people living or dead would you like to make dinner for?
It’s almost impossible for a Latina to make dinner for three people, plus I have a table for six. I would make dinner for Sonia Sotomayor, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Oprah, Jose Andres, and my two girls Amauri & Bella
Stay tuned to echo this week as we share more employee Q&A sessions.
