When Marvin Sands founded Constellation Brands, he led with a set of principles that have shaped our business into what it is today. He aimed to cultivate an environment where everyone feels empowered to be their authentic selves, bringing diverse perspectives and passions to advance the company and the communities we serve.
To honor his legacy, Constellation Brands established the Marvin Sands Heritage Award in 2016. This recognition is the highest honor our company bestows on employees through a peer-nominated program that celebrates employees who:
- Live our core values of people, customer focus, entrepreneurship, quality, and integrity
- Exhibit extensive business knowledge and savvy
- Demonstrate a commitment to giving back
- Provide inspiring leadership
This year's honorees are Mike Abbate, Omar Antonio Borboa, Bill Havle, Lori Jung, and Joy Malinowski. To celebrate their achievements, Constellation Brands contributed $5,000 to a charity of each recipient’s choosing.
Meet this year’s winners below and learn more about their ongoing philanthropy and commitment to bringing our values to life.
Mike Abbate, Manager, Key Accounts – Southeast
Mike is a dedicated advocate for numerous organizations and causes, including the Armed Forces Retirement Home, George Washington Hospital, and DC Public Library, where he brings his golden retriever, Aurey, to comfort visitors. He also contributes his time to Rural Dog Rescue, a nonprofit focused on saving dogs from high-kill rural shelters, and supports preservation efforts for local landmarks like the Historic Congressional Cemetery in Washington, D.C. In his professional role, Mike consistently seeks opportunities to drive business success and community impact. He is known for his leadership in building strong relationships with distributors, retailers, and colleagues, guiding these interactions with care and intention.
Mike will use his award to support People Animals Love (PALS), which organizes visits from dogs to local communities, and the Congressional Cemetery, a historical landmark in Washington, D.C.
“I was deeply moved when I found out about the award—I work alongside so many incredible people at Constellation and being recognized is an absolute honor,” said Mike. “Living the company’s vision is part of our DNA, and I witness it every day in my colleagues. To be singled out for my actions left me speechless. Words cannot fully express how honored I am.”
Omar Antonio Borboa, Director, Manufacturing Services, Beer
Omar regularly gives back to his community through volunteering. He has supported school infrastructure projects near our Nava brewery, where many employees’ children attend, including facility maintenance and mural painting. Additionally, he participates in toy delivery initiatives to bring joy to local children. As a leader, Omar is warm and approachable, demonstrating genuine care for his team and elevating others around him. He values teamwork over personal recognition, focusing on guiding his team toward shared goals and working alongside them to achieve success.
Omar will use his award to support Grupo de Apoyo a Personas con Cáncer de Piedras Negras A.C., an organization that provides psychological and financial support to people living with cancer.
“The Marvin Sands Heritage Award seeks to highlight the values of Constellation Brands and recognizes that small changes can lead to great results,” said Omar. “Let's start helping without expecting anything in return.”
Bill Havle, Director, Key Accounts – Central Business Unit
In addition to his roles as a Director and a father of three, Bill is deeply committed to giving back. He is a member of Constellation Brands' SAGE BRG for late-career leaders and co-communications lead for the VALOR BRG, which supports veterans and first responders. Bill also helps advise and mentor the Early Career Professionals BRG. Outside of work, he volunteers with the United Way of Will County, successfully raising over $25,000 for his local community. Bill’s leadership style is rooted in collaboration, and his team thrives on accountability and learning from one another. With more than 20 years at Constellation Brands, Bill is widely respected as an expert in the beer business.
Bill, a graduate of Illinois Wesleyan University, will donate his award to the college’s football program.
“I am so humbled and honored to have won this award,” said Bill. “I’ve been with the company for over 27 years, and earning this award is the highlight of my career. My personal goal is simple: to always help people and do everything it takes to be successful. I really appreciate that my team members recognize my contributions to Constellation Brands and my community.”
Lori Jung, Senior Director, Human Resources
Lori is an inspiring leader who dedicates herself to giving back to her Chicago community. She has served on her suburban Chicago school district’s committee and participated in Constellation’s "Super Volunteer" activities in the city. She is also a member of the Chinese American Historical Museum, where she helps combat Asian hate. At work, she is an exceptional mentor and leader, known for her strength and empathy, going out of her way to make others feel supported and valued. Lori’s kindness and authenticity leave a lasting impact on everyone she meets.
Lori will donate her award to UNICEF to advocate for the rights of children around the globe.
“The Marvin Sands Heritage Award encapsulates the heart of Constellation Brands' principles by recognizing individuals who exemplify inspiring leadership, exhibit extensive business knowledge and savvy, demonstrate a commitment to giving back, provide inspiring leadership, and live our core values,” said Lori. “It serves as a testament to the company's continued dedication to fostering a culture that not only celebrates outstanding contributions but also upholds its core values creating a strong legacy for future generations of new hires.”
Joy Malinowski, North Coast Director, Maintenance and Engineering, Wine + Spirits
Joy is a passionate supporter and advocate for Napa County's 4-H youth development program, where she dedicates her time to mentoring young people and leading projects. At the winery, Joy champions the environment and organizes sustainability initiatives that benefit the local community. In addition to her leadership in sustainability, she actively mentors women in the wine industry, empowering the next generation of female leaders.
Joy will donate her award to Watch Duty, a nonprofit fire watch app that alerts people to fires in their area. “The Marvin Sands Heritage Award reflects Constellation’s company culture of always doing your best and helping others to succeed,” said Joy. “We strive to build a positive work environment and community at each winery. This is a great culture to be a part of, and I love continuing to build it with everyone.”