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Dirty Laundry Vineyard
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    International Women's Day 2024 - Inspire Inclusion

    March 8, 2024



    Every year at Dirty Laundry Vineyard, we believe it's very important to take a moment to highlight two of the hard-working women that contribute to the winery's success. With many women on staff, we certainly want to celebrate them and their successes and ideas which make DLV possible!


    The theme for International Women's Day this year is "Inspire Inclusion" - we see first hand every day how important this is, as DLV is sustained by an amazing team with diverse backgrounds who work together to get everything done day to day. This is the kind of teamwork that is only made possible through including everyone!


    A poster for international women 's day with a drawing of a woman 's face and flowers.
    A man wearing sunglasses and a life jacket is sitting on a sailboat.

    Jennifer Oviatt

    Assistant Wineshop Manager & Merchandiser

    • Tell us a bit about yourself and what you do at DLV

      I became part of the DLV team in October 2022, assuming the role of Merchandiser. I enjoy sailing in the Pacific Northwest, hiking, dirt biking and of course wine!! 

    • What do you like best about your job and what is your favourite Dirty Laundry Wine?

      In my capacity at Dirty Laundry, I engage in a variety of tasks that encompass different facets of the business. One day involves curating and introducing new merchandise to our retail space, while the next might find me doing tastings at the bar or ensuring guests have an exceptional experience on our patio.


      I would say that my favourite wine here at DLV is the 2021 Kay’s Syrah. Oh, and this year's 2023 Unoaked Chardonnay….Divine!!


    • The theme of this years International Women’s Day is “Inspire Inclusion”. When you hear this, what does it mean to you, and how do you practice inclusion on a daily basis?

      In my everyday life, this looks like being intentional about creating spaces where everyone feels valued and respected, regardless of their gender or background.

    • 4) This year's theme underscores the crucial role of inclusion in achieving gender equality. It calls for action to break down barriers, challenge stereotypes, and create environments where all women are valued and respected. What do you believe can be done in an organizational standpoint, and on a daily basis that can help break down these barriers and work towards the goal of inclusion?

      Building an inclusive workplace isn't just a moral imperative; it's also a strategic advantage that leads to better innovation, higher employee morale, and enhanced productivity. Set the example, lead by example. 

    A woman is sitting at a table holding a glass of wine.

    Belinda Dearborn

    Wine Club & E-Commerce Customer Liaison

    • Tell us a bit about yourself and what you do at DLV

      I’m going into my 7th summer season with DLV this year! I love learning different skills, so I’ve done everything from working in the wineshop behind the tasting bar, pouring beer, making pizzas, and ordering merchandise, to now running the wine club (making sure all your favourite DLV wines make it to your door!), creating email campaigns and maintaining the website.


      Some of my favourite things are tea, books, tv shows, video games, dogs (I have 3), going to concerts, and campfires!

    • What do you like best about your job and what is your favourite Dirty Laundry Wine?

      - My favourite part of my job is creative side of writing emails, making graphics, and designing web pages, as well as the connections I create with our wine club members – these relationships are very special to me! 


      My favourite wine at DLV changes constantly, but the Kay’s Syrah has been a constant favourite for almost 7 years. Medium bodied with some beautiful black pepper notes, it’s my perfect summer red. Also currently a bit obsessed with our Cellar Series Reserve Rose.

    • The theme of this years International Women’s Day is “Inspire Inclusion”. When you hear this, what does it mean to you, and how do you practice inclusion on a daily basis?

      To me, this theme is all about making sure those around me feel they are being treated equally, regardless of any differences we may have. People look and act different, believe different things, and identify in different ways, but that doesn’t mean we can’t find some common ground and treat each other in the best way possible. There should be no point in which something uncontrollable about a person (such as their gender) should stop them from being included and treated with respect. Everyone has something of value to bring to the table! 

    • 4) This year's theme underscores the crucial role of inclusion in achieving gender equality. It calls for action to break down barriers, challenge stereotypes, and create environments where all women are valued and respected. What do you believe can be done in an organizational standpoint, and on a daily basis that can help break down these barriers and work towards the goal of inclusion?

      The first thing anyone can do is listen. Since everyone has different experiences, viewpoints and strengths, someone may come up with a different idea or solution that you haven’t thought of before! If women in particular are being excluded from certain spheres or conversations, or our ideas are being devalued, not only is that not an inclusive environment, but it’s also an environment that might be missing out on amazing ideas! Additionally, the simple act of treating someone the way you wish to be treated can work wonders towards creating a more inclusive environment.

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