Breaking Barriers: Women Leading the Rum Industry — Gabriela Ayala

The role of women in the rum industry is multifaceted, ranging from working in the fields and serving as brand ambassadors to ensuring the quality of every drop that reaches consumers’ palates.

For many, the journey has been challenging, as breaking paradigms has always required a clear vision and hard work. That is why, at TheRumLab, we want to commemorate and honor the efforts of some of the industry’s great masters—not just today, but throughout the entire month.

In this four-part series, we explore the stories of remarkable figures in the industry, learning about their beginnings, inspirations, and perspectives on the role of women in the world of rum.
Today, in our fourth article, we are honored to speak with Gabriela Ayala, Maestra Ronera at Ron Cihuatán.

Gabriela Ayala, Maestra Ronera at Ron Cihuatán

Rum is an inevitable passion. Eleven years ago, Gabriela Ayala was casually flipping through the pages of a newspaper, unaware that her life was about to change. Suddenly, an ad caught her eye: they sought a chemical engineer for an innovative project. Years earlier, she had discovered her first great passion—chemistry—a discipline that led her to earn her degree as a chemical engineer. That day, driven by curiosity, she applied for the position at a place that would soon become her home and a benchmark in the rum industry: Ron Cihuatán.

“At the time, I already had experience in new product development for the sugar industry, which allowed me to join the team as Production Manager.”

Her first major challenge in this role was producing the first bottle of Ron Cihuatán in December 2014—a task that made her realize she had discovered a new and inevitable passion:

“Rum has become an inevitable passion. It’s fascinating to see how, through different chemical processes, you can create a unique sensory experience with every sip. Designing this is something I love because it allows me to see my work come to life through consumers’ reactions. There’s no greater satisfaction than hearing someone say that a glass of Ron Cihuatán brought back cherished memories.”

In El Salvador, no company had ever made the impact that Ron Cihuatán has had on the rum industry. The dedication, effort, and energy that the Cihuatán team has poured into overcoming every challenge over time is what makes Gabriela, as Maestra Ronera, feel deeply committed to her role.

“I feel profoundly committed to my role as Maestra Ronera. I have the privilege of being the first to hold this title, which also comes with the responsibility of being an example and inspiration for future generations.”

Her journey and sense of responsibility are also inspired by iconic female rum masters such as Joy Spence, Lorena Vázquez, and Carmen López de Bastidas, among other women who have shown that experience, creativity, and the passion for crafting great rum have nothing to do with gender.

It’s Not About Gender

The doors have opened. Outdated beliefs have faded. The work of women in the industry—characterized by the perfect balance of determination and sensitivity—has brought the market high-quality rums with distinctive personalities.

“The sensitivity and talent of women have added a more personal touch to each distillate, making rum transcend into a true sensory experience.”

Talent that roars always climbs higher. Over time, the industry has witnessed a wave of innovation, transformation, and momentum driven by women. This has undoubtedly earned them more space to pour their creativity into every phase of the production and commercialization chain.

“From innovation in distillation and aging processes to leading iconic brands and educating consumers, women’s contributions have been key to the evolution and prestige of rum on a global scale.”

Achievements like these are aged with education, specialization, and a touch of reinvention.

My greatest purpose and legacy—the reason I keep studying and preparing every day—is to position Salvadoran rum as one of the world’s most beloved spirits. — Gabriela Ayala, Maestra Ronera at Ron Cihuatán

One Path, a Thousand Perspectives

“I’ve always believed that knowledge and passion are the keys to success.” For Gabriela, there is a vast range of specializations that can open the doors to the rum industry for any passionate individual. Whether it’s chemistry, marketing, finance, or another field, the key is to dive deep into the distillate and understand its essence—from production and distillation to sensory tasting and mixology.

“Today, there are countless ways to learn—from courses and certifications to content on social media and digital platforms. The industry has evolved significantly, making it easier than ever to discover the fascinating world of rum and explore its many brands and styles.”

But magic also lies in connection. For any aspiring rum enthusiast, Gabriela recommends surrounding yourself with people who share your passion, attending events, meeting experts, and seeking mentors—in short, sharing experiences. And if practice makes perfect, then gaining hands-on experience should also be on the radar:

“Practical experience is essential, whether through internships or even creating your projects, such as tastings or social media content. With knowledge and passion, the path in this industry will be filled with great opportunities!”

Thus, the path for new generations is being built every day, and the doors are wide open for all women who wish to walk through them.

A Salvadoran Dream

Conquering the palates of the global market and inspiring and educating young Salvadorans about rum have become Gabriela’s dream, purpose, and legacy.

“I want to inspire new generations, especially Salvadoran women, to explore technical careers. I also want to share my knowledge by teaching classes on rum production, guiding young Salvadorans who are passionate about this industry so that, in the future, they can dedicate themselves to crafting this incredible spirit.”

The stories born from barrels are a testament to the age-old belief that “perseverance pays off.” In an industry where women were once unseen, they have gradually shifted paradigms and created waves of change and innovation, enriching the rum industry with diverse perspectives.

Breaking Barriers Continues

Throughout March at TheRumLab, we’ve shared stories of women revolutionizing the rum industry. Originally planned as a four-part series, we are excited to announce an additional article featuring Nancy Duarte, Maestra Ronera at Ron Santa Teresa.

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The photography used in the article is courtesy of Gabriela Ayala