The non-profit aims to foster the next generation, cultivate leaders, feed the talent pipeline and promote greater diversity and inclusion in wine, beer and spirits.
September 10, 2020 (New York, NY) – Women of the Vine & Spirits, the world’s leading membership organization dedicated to empowering women and boldly pushing the wine, beer and spirits industry toward a more diverse and inclusive era, announced today its non-profit arm, the Women of the Vine & Spirits Foundation, Ltd. 501(c)(3), has awarded scholarships to 42 deserving candidates, totaling $103,600 in total funds given in 2020.
The Foundation received 310 completed applications from applicants in 24 countries, including: Australia, Cameroon, Canada, Curaçao, Cyprus, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Kenya, Luxembourg, Mexico, New Zealand, Nigeria, Russia, South Africa, Spain, Switzerland, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States of America, and Venezuela.
“Education and personal development are essential means of empowering and advancing women with the knowledge, skills and self-confidence necessary to thrive in the alcohol beverage industry,” said Deborah Brenner, Founder & CEO, Women of the Vine & Spirits. “Thanks to our generous donors, the Women of the Vine & Spirits Foundation is providing women with education, resources, role models and career advancement opportunities which is the cornerstone of our organization and Foundation.”
The Foundation Committee is pleased to announce the following recipients of the 2020 Women of the Vine & Spirits Foundation Scholarships:
Women of the Vine & Spirits Foundation Scholarships: Supported by Our Generous Donors
Professional & Leadership Development Scholarship: Katrina Gall, Toronto, Canada; Corinne Keddie, Calgary, Canada; Veronica Mendoza, Glendale, CA. Student Educational Scholarship: Evelyn Alvarez-Mendoza, Santa Maria, CA; Adrienne Goppold, Charlotte, NC; Victoria Chavez, Napa, CA. Continuing Education Scholarship: Nadege Lark, Elmont, NY; Morgan Pressley, Belmont, NC; Sabrina Valles, La Mirada, CA. WSET Level 1 Award in Wines: Samantha Kent, Carnation, WA; Magdalena Kuffel, Milan, Italy; Chrishon Lampley, Chicago, IL. WSET Level 2 Award in Wines: Nafeesah Hargrove, Waldorf, MD. WSET Level 2 Award in Spirits: Tiffany Jay, San Mateo, CA. WSET Level 3 Award in Sake: Allie Nault, Warrenton, VA. WSET Level 3 Award in Wines: Diana Hawkins, Rocky Bay, New Zealand. WSET Level 3 Award in Spirits: Katarina Corbo, Los Angeles, CA. WSET Level 4 Diploma in Wines: Simone FM Spinner, Lakewood, CO.
Women Behind the Wine Scholarships: Supported by Patron Donor E. & J. Gallo Winery
Master of Wine Scholarship: Florencia Gomez, London, UK. Master Sommelier Scholarship: Ellizabeth Benchimol, Herndon, VA. Elizabeth Smyth Student Scholarship: Martha Vicedomini, Washington, DC. Fuel Your Dreams Award: Terah Bajjalieh, Morgan Hill, CA; Taylor Henriquez, Sherman Oaks, CA; Saskia Tingey, Healdsburg, CA; Nicole Vejar, Oakdale, CA; Sheree Williams, Oakland, CA; LisaAnn Bear, Dixon, NM; Eboni Hayes, Austin, TX; Lauren King, Dallas, TX; Lindsey Johnson, New Berlin, WI; Rachel Trotter, Indianapolis, IN; Brooklyn Bain, Santa Rosa Beach, FL; Stephanie Love, St. Petersburg, FL; Daniella Sanchez, Lake Wales, FL; Diesha Banner, Apex, NC; Kelly Ann Evans, Raleigh, NC; Amanda Nicole Borne, New York, NY; Stefanie Schwartz, Brooklyn, NY; Jenilee Vazquez, Hartford, CT; Heidi Olson, West Bloomfield, MI; Desiree Harrison-Brown, Rockville, MD; Mallory Morris, Louisville, KY.
Overseeing the growth and development of the non-profit is Executive Director, Tara Davey, alongside the Board of Trustees, led by Deborah Brenner, Founder & CEO, Women of the Vine & Spirits; Béatrice Cointreau, President & CEO, byBC Wines; Alison Herman, Senior Counsel, Regulatory & Compliance, Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits; and Richard Tobin, CPA, CVA, CFF, Tobin & Collins, CPA, PA.
The 2020 Foundation Committee is comprised of the following individuals: Hannah Becker, Associate Attorney, Gray | Robinson, P.A.; Jennifer Chapin, Sales Director, Control & Northeast, Branca USA; Béatrice Cointreau, President & CEO, byBC Wines; Renata Franzia Price, National Chain Manager, Bronco Wine Company; Jennifer Friedrichs, PA & DE State Market Manager, Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey; Cindy Haas, VP, External Communications & Corporate Social Responsibility, Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits; Rachel Harris, VP, On Premise, Beam Suntory; Natalie Henderson, Principal, Corporate Communications & PR, E. & J. Gallo Winery; Maggie Henriquez, President & CEO, Krug Maison de Champagne; Julie Kinch, Founder, JK Leadership Advisors; Dr. Kathryn LaTour, Associate Professor, Wine Services Marketing, Cornell University; Rhonda Motil, VP, Marketing, J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines; Francie Purnell, Corporate Director, Retirement Plans, Scholarships & Foundations, Republic National Distributing Co.; David Rudman, Executive Director, USA, Wine & Spirit Education Trust; Stacey Townsend, Director, Sales Training & Education, Spirits, Constellation Brands; Judy Viera, VP, HR, Breakthru Beverage Group; and Cindy Woodman, National Brand Manager, Shaw Ross International Imports. The Committee was responsible for reviewing applications and selecting finalists with guidance by Davey.
For more information about the various scholarships awarded visit womenofthevine.com/foundation.
The Women of the Vine & Spirits Foundation, Ltd. 501(c)(3) is looking for donations to award scholarships in 2021. To donate, and learn more about donor levels and benefits visit womenofthevine.com/foundation or contact Executive Director, Tara Davey at tara@eastwood-partners.com.
2020 Women of the Vine & Spirits Foundation Donors
Patron ($100,000+): E. & J. Gallo Winery; Supporter ($5,000 – $14,999): Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Vikera Tequila; Friend ($1,000 – $4,999): Coravin, Funky Buddha Brewery, Montanya Distillers.
About the Women of the Vine & Spirits Foundation
The Women of the Vine & Spirits Foundation, Ltd. 501(c)(3) is the charitable arm of Women of the Vine & Spirits. The Foundation provides scholarships and awards for the purpose of helping women advance their careers in the food, wine, spirits, beer, or hospitality industries through education, leadership, and professional development, as well as fostering gender diversity and talent development across the industry at large. For more information, please visit womenofthevine.com/foundation.
