Throughout Hispanic Heritage Month, we’ve been celebrating the theme of Uniting Cultures, sharing diverse perspectives from Latino leaders at Constellation Brands who inspire our employees to strive for an inclusive company culture rooted in diversity of thought and background.

Liz Lopez, Vice President of Public Affairs has been a champion for the Latino community throughout her life and an active supporter of our ¡Salud! Business Resource Group and broader DEI mission since she joined Constellation Brands in 2021.

We connected with Liz to learn more about her background and career, and the cultural values that still guide her today. Read more about her journey below.

Can you tell us about your background? What inspired you to join the beverage alcohol industry, and how did you come to Constellation Brands?

I started my career in Boston as a prosecutor and then joined a law firm in Washington where I represented Crown Imports/Constellation Brands on government relations matters. I got to see first-hand the amazing people who make up Constellation, the complex policy issues facing the beverage alcohol industry, and the company’s commitment to the communities it serves. I was excited to join the Public Affairs team in 2021, and it has been like reuniting with family.

What does your role entail at Constellation?

I serve as Vice President of Public Affairs in our Washington, D.C. office. I advocate for our policy priorities including tax, trade, and cannabis, before elected officials and other key stakeholders. It’s a team effort, and I’m so appreciative to learn from and collaborate with colleagues across various business units to ensure we are advancing Constellation’s business goals.

What is your proudest accomplishment in your career to date?

I am proud and honored to have advocated before members of Congress for the confirmation of Justice Sonia Sotomayor to the U.S. Supreme Court. The experience is one that I will always treasure because of how the Latino community rallied together to support her. She is a role model, and in her own words from My Beloved World: “… a role model in the flesh provides more than inspiration; his or her very existence is confirmation of possibilities one may have every reason to doubt, saying, 'Yes, someone like me can do this.’”

What is a value from your upbringing that stays with you today?

The family values that I hold closely to this day are hard work, integrity, and empathy. They continue to guide me through life and keep me centered.

As we honor Hispanic Heritage Month in the U.S., can you share one of your favorite cultural traditions?

Navidades (Christmas) is a special holiday for my family. The celebration is not complete until we all gather to cook and enjoy lechon, tamales, and paneton.

What distinguishes Constellation Brands’ company culture in your mind?

What attracted me to join Constellation Brands is its ability to be innovative and bold, while creating a culture that is inclusive of all.