PERSEPHONE BREWING CO.

When the Gibsons-based brewery was looking for a new CEO and attracted only male applicants, it decided to find more women to apply for the job in what has traditionally been a male-dominated industry. Jenn Vervier, formerly of Colorado's New Belgium Brewing Co., took the helm last June.

The brewery, also recognized in our Environment category, is partly owned by the Sunshine Coast Association for Community Living (SCACL), which provides services and employment for adults with developmental disabilities. Several SCACL clients work on Persephone's farm and in its tasting room.