2026

March 6, 2026

we celebrated our March Meetup: International Women’s Day at River’s Edge Brewing Co., and it was such a fun and meaningful way to spend the morning together. Nicole Fitzmaurice led us on an exclusive tour of the brewery, walking us through the brewing process from start to finish and giving us a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to make great beer. It was fascinating to learn how the whole system works and hear about the craft from someone who knows it so well.

After the tour, we gathered for a casual conversation and tasting of this year’s International Women’s Day brew, Common Good. This California Common style beer, also known as steam beer, has roots going back to the late 1800s when brewers in San Francisco cooled their wort in open rooftop bins, creating the clouds of steam that gave the style its name. Brewed as a lager at warmer temperatures, Common Good has a light malt character with a slightly fruity note and a balanced hop backbone, coming in at 4.7% ABV. It was the perfect beer to raise a glass with while celebrating women in brewing and in our community.

As always, our gathering also included giving back. We collected donations for Anchored Hope Outreach, a nonprofit working to support survivors of sex trafficking in southwest Detroit through food, hygiene kits, and direct outreach. Bringing these items together is a small way we can support the important work they do every day. It was a great reminder that when women come together with intention, good conversation, and a little beer, we can celebrate community and the common good all at once.

March 8, 2025

Today was a blast!  With brewer Nicole Fitzmaurice leading the way, it was a day of brewing beer and collecting hygiene products for Anchored Hope Outreach. What an amazing turnout -  over 50 women came together, lending their strength to lift bags of grain and clean out mash from the tanks, all while assembling over 100 backpacks filled with necessities for women impacted by sex trafficking in Detroit.

It was a powerful reminder of the importance of community and solidarity, especially on a day dedicated to celebrating the achievements and resilience of women worldwide.

These Women In Milford events really show us the incredible impact we can have when we come together to support and empower one another.

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who joined us, and special thanks to Nicole Fitzmaurice for sharing her brewing expertise, and to River's Edge Brewing Co. for providing the space for such a meaningful gathering. We have such an amazing community!

March 9, 2024

Yesterday's celebration of International Women's Day at River's Edge Brewing Co. with brewer Nicole Fitzmaurice was incredible! As women in a traditionally male-dominated industry, it was empowering to come together and contribute to the brewing world. Partnering with Nicole for this event offered us a unique opportunity to learn from her expertise and gain hands-on experience in brewing our newest beer, which we also had the privilege of naming. This event serves as a reminder of the importance of collaboration and empowerment among women, and we couldn't have asked for a better way to honor it than by brewing beer and giving back to our community.

Throughout the day, over 50 women joined forces, not only to brew beer but also to collect hygiene products for Anchored Hope Outreach. Together, we lifted bags of grain, cleaned out mash from the tanks, and assembled over 100 backpacks, along with 5 more boxes, filled with necessities for women impacted by sex trafficking in Detroit. This hands-on experience allowed us to connect with each other while making a tangible difference in the lives of those in need. International Women's Day holds special significance for us as women, as it provides a platform to highlight our achievements and contributions while emphasizing the importance of supporting and uplifting one another.

In the spirit of giving back, Women In Milford's partnership with Anchored Hope Outreach underscores our commitment to making a positive impact in our community. Anchored Hope Outreach is dedicated to combating human trafficking by providing essential resources and support to victims. Yesterday, we brewed great beer and contributed to the fight against human trafficking. All in all, it was a kick ass day!Thanks to Nicole Fitzmaurice, Tara Kay from Son of a Cookie, Anchored Hope Outreach, and River’s Edge Brewing Co., for helping us make yesterday’s event so special.

By: Nicole Fitzmarice, Brewer at River’s Edge Brewing Co.

I spent International Women’s Day with a really great group of women - we made beer, we drank beer, we collected supplies for a really good cause, we worked as a team. They showed up with enthusiasm and an eagerness to learn. I… talked with my hands a LOT.

But seriously, yesterday I went to work and made beer. That’s not a new thing, really. It’s part of my routine now. It’s my job. But sometimes I forget what a novel thing that still is - to be a woman in the brewing industry.

𝘐 𝘴𝘢𝘺 “𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘦𝘴” 𝘣𝘦𝘤𝘢𝘶𝘴𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸 𝘰𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘪𝘯 𝘢 𝘸𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘦𝘐 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘤𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘵 𝘰𝘯 𝘢 𝘮𝘢𝘯 𝘵𝘰 𝘴𝘩𝘰𝘸 𝘶𝘱 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘱𝘭𝘦𝘵𝘦𝘥𝘪𝘴𝘣𝘦𝘭𝘪𝘦𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘐 𝘤𝘢𝘯 (1) 𝘭𝘪𝘧𝘵 55𝘭𝘣𝘴. 𝘈𝘯𝘥 (2) 𝘥𝘰 𝘪𝘵 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘣𝘺 𝘮𝘺𝘴𝘦𝘭𝘧.

It’s days like yesterday that fill me with pride and awe at the power of women. For all thedisturbing comments out there about a “woman’s place,” there are these moments to remind me that a woman’s place isin the brew house.

Or the boardroom. Or, quite frankly, wherever the hell else she chooses to be,

Yes, she can lift heavy bags of malt.
No, she doesn’t need your help.

RSVP By March 7, 2024

Every March 8, International Women’s Day, Women In Milford collaborates with brewer Nicole Fitzmaurice for International Women's Collaboration Brew Day.

This global event celebrates women's contributions to the brewing industry, an infamously male-dominated profession, and provides a platform for collaboration and empowerment.

This partnership with Nicole Fitzmaurice, Brewer at River's Edge Brewing Co., promises an enriching experience as she guides participants through the brewing process of their newest beer.

The day-long brewing process is not only an educational opportunity but also a chance for participants to get hands-on experience and connect with like-minded individuals. This is a big event, and we couldn't be more excited about each and every aspect of such an amazing International Women's Day!

Participants are encouraged to wear closed-toe shoes and comfortable attire, with the flexibility to join and contribute at their convenience. Whether working on-site or remotely from River's Edge, participants are welcome to engage in networking, enjoy a beer, and be a part of the brewing process.

In the spirit of giving back, Women In Milford has partnered with Anchored Hope Outreach, a nonprofit organization dedicated to combating human trafficking by serving the needs of sex-trafficked victims. Participants are encouraged to contribute to the cause by donating items for Anchored Hope Outreach.

The organization operates in the neighborhoods of southwest Detroit, distributing food and hygiene kits, offering prayer support, and connecting those in need with resources for healing and restoration. Through this collaboration, Women In Milford aims to not only brew a great beer but also make a positive impact in the fight against human trafficking.

IWCBD

International Women's Collaboration Brew Day holds significant importance as an annual global event dedicated to celebrating and empowering women in the brewing industry. Taking place on March 8th each year, in tandem with International Women's Day, the event serves as a powerful platform for women to come together, collaborate, and showcase their expertise in the traditionally male-dominated field of brewing. The quote, "International Women’s Collaboration Brew Day is a worldwide annual event that takes place on March 8th of every year in conjunction with International Women’s Day," underscores the deliberate alignment of the brewing celebration with the broader international recognition of women's achievements.

The importance of this event lies not only in fostering a sense of community among women brewers but also in challenging stereotypes and breaking down barriers within the industry. By encouraging collaboration and providing opportunities for women to share their skills and experiences, International Women's Collaboration Brew Day contributes to the overall diversification of the brewing landscape. It sends a powerful message about inclusivity and equality, inspiring future generations of women to pursue careers in brewing and related fields. Additionally, the event often involves charitable initiatives and community engagement, amplifying its impact beyond the brewing realm and highlighting the broader social responsibility embraced by women in the industry.

Women Helpin Women through Anchored Hope

Anchored Hope Outreach is a volunteer organization that offers hope and assistance to victims of human trafficking. We operate on the streets of southwest Detroit, providing physical, medical, emotional and spiritual support to girls and women impacted by sex trafficking. Our goal is to compassionately connect victims with existing resources to assist with substance abuse, trauma care, counseling, long term care and/or restorative therapy, housing and more. We also help to increase awareness of human trafficking through education and speaking events.

The reality of human trafficking is that it is not a far-away problem. It is right here. In our schools, our neighborhoods, our cities and our state. At Anchored Hope Outreach, we have been called to take action. To be the hands and feet of Jesus to each of His precious, victimized children, helping them to heal in whatever way we can, and however He leads us.

Our Street Outreach Team of 3 - 4 people takes to the neighborhoods of southwest Detroit twice a week, both day and night. We travel the same route every week, oftentimes ministering to the same friends, and always meeting new ones.

We bring food and hygiene kits.

We bring compassion and friendship.

We build relationships and trust.

Each story is unique. Each person affected by human trafficking is different, but the path forward is always difficult to navigate. When the time is right, our Street Outreach Ministry is there to connect sex trafficked victims with existing resources to assist with their recovery. In most cases, we are ministering to girls and women, however, we are open to sharing Christ’s light and our resources with men in need whom we also encounter.