SPEAKERS
& Special Guests
Dameain Williams
- Job Title: West Indies Rum Distilery Ambassador
Dameain Williams is a Mixologist by profession. He works at the West Indies Rum Distillery as the Rummelier, Tour Guide and Brand Ambassador for Stades and Planteray Rums. As his thirst for knowledge grew, he took part in several extensive training workshops, seminars, mixology sessions and competitions throughout his 18-year career. In addition; he attained his degree in “Food, Beverage & Hospitality Management” at the Barbados Community College Hospitality Institute. Dameain also travels to the U.S.A, Canada and U.K to showcase Barbados Rums at the renowned Rum Festivals and Signature Events .
José Manuel González-Cruz, PhD
- Job TitlePhD
A scholar specializing in the intersections of cultural history, social structures, and regional identity. He earned his doctorate in Brasília, where his research focused on the socio-economic and political evolution of the Caribbean and Latin America. His work features a deep ethnographic and historical analysis of Ron Caña (clandestine cane rum, also known as pitorro) in Puerto Rico. Dr. González-Cruz examines the production and consumption of this spirit as a vital expression of local tradition and a reaffirmation of national identity. His research situates these practices within the broader socio-political landscape of the Caribbean, exploring how communities maintain agency and define belonging through clandestine traditions that navigate the boundaries of state-imposed legal and cultural frameworks.
Francisco Fonseca
- Job Title: Brand Ambassador
I am the International Brand Ambassador from San Juan Artisan Distillers and a Master Mixologist.
Dr. Lorenzo Saliceti-Piazza
- Job TitleProfessor
Dr. Lorenzo Saliceti-Piazza is a Professor of Chemical Engineering at the University of Puerto Rico, Mayagüez (UPRM), with a Ph.D. from Purdue University. A pioneer in biotechnology education, he was instrumental in developing UPRM’s Industrial Biotechnology and Chemical Engineering Ph.D. programs. Currently, he leads a specialized course on unit operations in rum manufacturing, developed in collaboration with Puerto Rico’s top producers to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Chemical Engineering Department.
Luz Mari Irizarry
- Bacardi - 1st Female Rum Blender
Luz María Irizarry Crespo is a passionate and experienced professional in the spirits industry, with two decades of experience at Bacardí Rum. She currently serves as a Bacardí Rum Blender, a role that represents the culmination of years dedicated to the art and science of fermentation, distillation, aging, and the blending of premium rums. Since joining Bacardí in 2005, Luz María has developed a unique, end-to-end understanding of rum production, with experience including quality control, project management, distillery processes, and aging. In October 2020, this expertise and dedication earned her the honor to be part of the Bacardí Rum Blenders.
Héctor Quiñones
- Job TitleMechanical Engineer + Co-founder of Dest. Coqui
Héctor Augusto Quiñones Mercado is a Puerto Rican mechanical engineer and co-founder of Destilería Coquí in Mayagüez, Puerto Rico. Together with his wife and business partner, María Cristina Morales, he left a corporate career to build one of the island’s pioneering craft distilleries focused on traditional Puerto Rican spirits. Applying his engineering expertise, Quiñones personally designed the distillery’s copper stills and production systems, helping establish a reputation for hands-on, small-batch quality. Under his leadership, Destilería Coquí has played an important role in the legal commercialization of artisanal pitorro and the revival of craft rum production in western Puerto Rico. Today, he is recognized as a key advocate for Puerto Rico’s emerging craft-spirits movement and for supporting local agricultural and economic development in the Mayagüez region.
Liza Cordero
- Dest. Serrallés - Chemical Engineer & Master Blender
Liza Cordero is a Chemical Engineer, who graduated from the University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez Campus in 1994. Throughout her career, she has worked in different companies, such as the petrochemical and biotech industry. However, in 2001, she wanted a change, something different, this is when Serralles appears in her life, Since 2001, she has been in charge of the Fermentation and Distillation Operations. In 2012, she was promoted to Process Director, adding to her previous responsibilities, the Wastewater Operations. And now, as the master blender since the end of 2021, she has the amazing responsibility to create new and innovative products that will captivate the attention of customers. She recognizes that this can only be created by handpicking the rums that will be part of the unique blends when creating new premium rums and which guarantee a complete and mouth-filling experience when tasting.
Troy Arquiza
- Job TitleBacardí - Global Master Blender
Astrophel “Troy” Arquiza is the Global Master Blender (“Maestro de Ron”) for Bacardi, where he leads the team responsible for the quality, consistency, and innovation of the company’s rum portfolio worldwide. Originally from the Philippines, Arquiza brings more than two decades of experience within Bacardi, having progressed through roles in engineering, fermentation, and blending before being appointed to the company’s top rum-making position in 2021. Based at Casa Bacardí in Puerto Rico, he continues the brand’s historic Maestro de Ron tradition while mentoring the next generation of rum blenders and advancing innovation across the portfolio.
Christian Frontanes
- Casa Bacardí Brand Ambassador
Christian Frontanes is a senior brand ambassador and home spokesperson for Bacardi at Casa Bacardí Puerto Rico, the iconic Cataño distillery that produces much of the company’s rum. In his role, Frontanes represents the Bacardí brand, tells the story of its heritage and craftsmanship, and engages visitors, customers, and trade partners in experiences that highlight both the history and culture of Bacardí rum. He began with the company at a young age — starting in retail and tour roles — and worked his way up through various positions at the distillery, gaining deep knowledge of the brand and its products. Frontanes also speaks publicly on Casa Bacardí’s sustainability initiatives and the distillery’s long‑standing operational practices, including efforts to reduce environmental impact in Puerto Rico.
Jennifer Serrano
- Job TitleBacardí - Project Manager
Jennifer is a Civil Engineer with more than eight years of experience at Bacardi, the world’s largest family-owned spirits company. Throughout her career, she has held strategic roles focused on Project Management and on leading inclusion initiatives as Belonging Lead in Puerto Rico. Her work reflects Bacardi’s core values: founder’s mentality, courage, and family spirit. She specializes in leading multidisciplinary teams and implementing innovative solutions that enhance operational efficiency and promote sustainability. Her structured approach, commitment to continuous improvement, and technical excellence position her as a key leader in the development of projects that drive both business growth and the well-being of its people. Originally from the Philippines, Arquiza brings more than two decades of experience within Bacardi, having progressed through roles in engineering, fermentation, and blending before being appointed to the company’s top rum-making position in 2021. Based at Casa Bacardí in Puerto Rico, he continues the brand’s historic Maestro de Ron tradition while mentoring the next generation of rum blenders and advancing innovation across the portfolio.
Natally Andersson
- WLR&S, Caribbean Director - Bacardi, HR Director
Natally Andersson is a multilingual HR Director with over 15 years of international experience across Europe and now the Caribbean. She leads HR in Puerto Rico for family-owned spirits company Bacardi, and calls the largest premium rum distillery in the world her office. She spends every day helping her team have fulfilling and rewarding careers, while creating a positive and safe workplace for all. Recognized for her empathy, inclusive leadership, and ability to drive cultural change, Natally places people and wellbeing at the core of business strategy. Her fearless mindset, global perspective, and passion for inclusion make her the perfect fit to lead Women Leading Rum & Spirits for the Caribbean, as she helps shape the next generation of leaders in this incredible industry. In his role, Frontanes represents the Bacardí brand, tells the story of its heritage and craftsmanship, and engages visitors, customers, and trade partners in experiences that highlight both the history and culture of Bacardí rum. He began with the company at a young age — starting in retail and tour roles — and worked his way up through various positions at the distillery, gaining deep knowledge of the brand and its products. Frontanes also speaks publicly on Casa Bacardí’s sustainability initiatives and the distillery’s long‑standing operational practices, including efforts to reduce environmental impact in Puerto Rico.