Women Leading Rum & Spirits and Taste of Rum Present the Seminar “Legacy in Their Hands: Master Blenders Shaping the Future of Puerto Rican Rooted Rum”
Legacy in Their Hands, presented by Women Leading Rum & Spirits and Taste of Rum. As part of Taste of Rum 2026, the official rum festival of Puerto Rico, Women Leading Rum & Spirits (WLR&S) announces a landmark seminar bringing together some of the most influential women shaping the evolution of Puerto Rican rum. Titled “Legacy in Their Hands: Master Blenders Shaping the Future of Puerto Rican Rooted Rum,” the event will highlight the technical, cultural, and strategic leadership of women who are defining the future of the category.
This seminar reinforces WLR&S’s mission to elevate, connect, and empower female talent driving the industry through innovation, tradition, and excellence.
For Larissa Arjona, President of Women Leading Rum & Spirits, this seminar marks a defining moment:
“This gathering reflects what we have always believed: women are not only part of the rum industry—they are shaping its future. Puerto Rico is home to extraordinary master blenders, engineers, and creators, and this space honors their legacy while inspiring the next generation. Taste of Rum is the perfect stage to amplify these voices and continue building a more diverse, stronger, and more representative industry.”
A panel of experts shaping the future of rum
The seminar will feature a distinguished panel of women whose technical mastery, leadership, and vision are redefining the future of Puerto Rican rum.
Host — Jennifer Serrano | Senior, Project Manager – Bacardi
A Civil Engineer with more than eight years at Bacardi, Jennifer leads strategic projects and inclusion initiatives across the organization. Her focus on innovation, sustainability, and operational excellence positions her as a key figure in strengthening both business performance and people development.
Guest Speakers
– Natally Andersson Caribbean Director, Women Leading Rum & Spirits – HR Director, Bacardi
An HR Director with over 15 years of international experience, Natally leads talent strategy at the world’s largest premium rum distillery. Known for her inclusive leadership and people-centered approach, she is a driving force behind cultural transformation in the industry and represents WLR&S across the Caribbean.
– Liza Cordero Master Blender, Destilería Serrallés
A Chemical Engineer with more than two decades at Serrallés, Liza has overseen fermentation, distillation, and process operations. As Master Blender, she is responsible for crafting innovative rums that honor Puerto Rico’s heritage while elevating the premium category.
– Luz María Irizarry Crespo Master Blender, Bacardí
With over 20 years at Bacardi and a Bachelor of Science in Biology and Chemistry, she has built deep expertise across every stage of rum production—from fermentation and distillation to aging and blending. Her work contributes to the creation of exceptional rums recognized worldwide and reflects a true appreciation for the balance between art and science behind each one. She was recently promoted to Blender, a recognition of her expertise and dedication to the craft.
Taste of Rum 2026: tradition, culture, and excellence
Taste of Rum 2026 will take place on March 28 in San Juan, Puerto Rico, bringing together distilleries, experts, consumers, and industry leaders for a celebration of Puerto Rican rum through culinary experiences, live music, and educational programming. As the official rum festival of Puerto Rico and one of the Caribbean’s most important spirits events, Taste of Rum showcases the heritage, craftsmanship, and innovation that define the island’s rum legacy.
Get your tickets NOW! https://tasteofrums.com/
