Upcoming Executives in Residence

Spring 2024

Photo of Bridget EppBRIDGET EPP, MENTOR, COACH, CONSERVATIONIST, FORMER WINE INDUSTRY VICE PRESIDENT OF SALES AND BRAND MANAGER

March 20-27, 2024

BA Business & Communication (Purdue University), MBA (University of Colorado)

Launching into the wine industry in 1984 as a 24-year-old newly minted MBA meant entering a male dominated environment and breaking down barriers. By the time Epp was 31, it also meant finding a work life balance juggling husband, children and career pressures. Epp's extensive background in the wine industry includes sales and brand management roles with The Robert Mondavi Winery, Terlato Family Distributors, Breakthru Beverage Distributors and E&J Gallo Winery, where her career began 38 years ago. In January 2005, Epp joined Wente Family Estates, California’s oldest continuously operated family-owned winery. For 14 years, she served as vice president of sales, overseeing half the country. Her primary role, and one of her passions, was leading teams to success and articulating next steps. On the business side of the equation, she focused on sales goal achievement, analysis of sales data, accessing opportunities, forming in-depth financial strategies and creating pricing and programming. Fortunately, another great passion (and the most fun) was found in sharing her knowledge of wine with friends and consumers from around the country. In March 2023, Epp chose to move on from a full-time career to focus on other pursuits, the most important being conservation (she is co-chair and founder of Save Our Rox, in Roxborough Park Colorado). While earning her communications and business degrees at Purdue University, she credits her time as an RA at Windsor’s Warren Hall as her first opportunity to be a leader.

Epp will be joined by her two nieces who recently graduated from Purdue – Sheila Swibes, Bachelor of Science Marketing ('18), and Julia Swibes, Bachelor of Arts Public Relations & Advertising ('21).

TOPIC AREAS: Leadership, Women in Business, Finding Your Passion, Work Life Balance, Being Respectful Fearless and Open, Sales Marketing & Communication, Fitness to Survive and Thrive, Conservation 

Meet Executive in Residence Bridget Epp! Click here to register for "Coffee and Consulting": a one-on-one session where you can discuss topics of interest and learn from Bridget's expertise.

sheila-swibes.jpgSHEILA SWIBES

BS Marketing (Purdue University)

Graduating from Purdue University in 2018 with a Bachelor's Degree in Marketing from the Krannert School of Management is Sheila’s favorite accomplishment to date.  While at Purdue, Sheila was the Social Media Intern for Purdue University Student Life Marketing as well as a member of Phi Mu. Her professional journey with PepsiCo spans over 5 years, marked by a diverse trajectory across various business functions and cities. Starting her career in Supply Chain Management at the Frankfort East Manufacturing Plant in Frankfort, IN was not exactly part of the plan, but provided an insightful experience as a first job out of college. She then made her way to Field Sales in Seattle, WA. Currently, she works in Space Transformation at the Chicago Headquarters where she continues to thrive in the dynamic landscape that is PepsiCo. Sheila is originally from Chesterton, IN and currently living in downtown Chicago.

Meet Sheila Swibes! Click here to register for "Coffee and Consulting": a one-on-one session where you can discuss topics of interest and learn from Sheila's expertise.

julia-swibes.jpgJULIA SWIBES

BS Public Relations and Advertising (Purdue University)

As a proud Purdue University alumna, she graduated in 2021 with a bachelor’s degree in public relations and a minor in Advertising. Currently based in Chicago, Illinois, Julia serves as the Marketing Manager for a local non-profit organization. Her passion for marketing and social media began at the age of 17 when she started assisting local businesses with their social media management and photography needs. Over time, Julia's career has evolved, encompassing website management, event coordination, and the development of impactful marketing strategies. Julia was born and raised in Munster, Indiana, and now resides in downtown Chicago, Illinois.

Meet Julia Swibes! Click here to register for "Coffee and Consulting": a one-on-one session where you can discuss topics of interest and learn from Julia's expertise.