In honor of National Siblings Day in April, we shine a spotlight on two remarkable sisters, Diana Giacomini Hagan ’86 BUS and Jill Giacomini Basch ’92 BUS, both proud alumnae of University of the Pacific, who have forged an extraordinary path in the world of artisanal cheese-making.

Their journey led them from corporate careers in banking and marketing, back to the rich tradition of their family’s dairy farm in Marin County, where they have been integral to its evolution and success. With their sister Lynn and the support of their parents, they would become co-CEOs of Point Reyes Farmstead Cheese Co, turning milk from 460 Holsteins into the renowned Point Reyes Original Blue Cheese.

Their dedication and innovation catapulted Point Reyes Farmstead Cheese Co. to international acclaim. They have two production facilities in Sonoma and Marin and market 9 different cheese varieties across the US as well as export to 13 countries.  Since the company’s launch in 2000 they have been featured on prominent platforms like Oprah's Favorite Things, The Today Show and ABC World News Tonight. The business has flourished while currently employing 105 individuals and captivating taste buds worldwide. “We love what we do,” says Diana. “We make people happy through cheese.”

Their journey is not only defined by business success but also by the enduring bond they share. Both active members of Kappa Alpha Theta during their time at Pacific, Diana and Jill credit the university for instilling in them a strong business foundation and valuable life skills. Their ties to Pacific remain strong, with frequent reunions and involvement in the Institute for Family Business.

Working alongside family can be challenging, but the sister’s alignment in business goals and commitment as a certified woman-owned business have been their cornerstone. With their father's unwavering support and the memory of their late mother (Pacific alumna Dean Ferreira ’58 COP) who pushed them to follow their dreams, they've navigated the complexities of the industry with resilience and grace. “We’ve become like three legs of a stool, each bringing in our individual skill sets and prior work experience to form the foundation of the company,” said Diana. “We had great role models in our parents, who taught us the value of hard work and building strong relationships inside and outside of the business in order to reach our goals.”

As they approach the 25th anniversary of Point Reyes Farmstead Cheese Co., Diana and Jill remain focused on growth, environmental sustainability and employee satisfaction. Their dedication extends beyond business success; they aim to give back to their community through initiatives like "Cheese Cares," supporting causes close to their hearts as women and mothers.

To fellow alumni and cheese enthusiasts alike, Diana and Jill extend an invitation to experience Point Reyes Farmstead Cheese Co. through cheese purchases on their website pointreyescheese.com, as well as farm tours and cheese tastings at their culinary and educational center, The Fork. “We love to show guests what we do and teach them why specialty hand-crafted cheese from a family farm is worth every penny,” says Jill, “and what it looks like to have healthy happy animals who produce great cheese.”

Diana and Jill's journey is a testament to the power of family, resilience, and the pursuit of one's passion. As they continue to shape the future of artisanal cheese-making, their story serves as an inspiration to all who dare to take their mother’s advice and follow their dreams.