With a philosophy that education is a cornerstone of career advancement, the Women of the Vine & Spirits Foundation has awarded $863,545 in scholarships since its inception in 2017. Providing scholarships to support educational and professional development, the non-profit continues to propel its mission of cultivating and supporting talented leaders in wine, beer, and spirits.

The Women of the Vine & Spirts Foundation is the charitable arm of  Women of the Vine & Spirits, the only global membership organization dedicated to empowering and advancing women across every sector and all three-tiers of the beverage alcohol industry.

For the sixth year in a row, Gallo donated $100,000 as a Patron Donor to the “Women Behind the Wine Educational Fund.” This year, 33 scholarships were awarded from this fund, including two $10,000 awards.

“The “Women Behind the Wine Educational Fund” supported by Patron Donor Gallo, is having incredible impact on fostering the next generation of women in beverage alcohol industry,” said Deborah Brenner, President of Women of the Vine & Spirits Foundation. “I am so honored to celebrate this year’s recipients for their outstanding achievements. I am so grateful to Gallo, our Foundation Committee Members, and our Board. Together, we are crafting a better world for women in wine, beer and spirits.”

The Women Behind the Scholarships Scene

“Women Behind the Wine Educational Fund” Scholarship recipients supported by Patron Donor Gallo includes:

• Elizabeth Smyth Student Scholarship: Kayla Brent, British Columbia, Canada
• Masters of Wine Scholarship: Natalia Pezzone, Berkshire, UK
• Fuel Your Dreams Award: Samantha Adcock, San Diego; Josephina Alex, Salt Lake City; Rachel Allison, New York; Sonnay Alvarez, Boise, Idaho; Anja Bauman, Marietta, Georgia; Marlena Blitz, Westfield, New Jersey; Amanda Cayouette, Livonia, New York; Carrie Dann, Washington, D.C.; Miranda Durr, Albuquerque; Elissa Feist, Delmar, New York; Rosa Fierro, Danville, California; Ingrid Folkers, Raleigh, NC; Janelle Freeman, Lorton, Virginia; Kseniia Greene, Decatur, Georgia; Jasmine Hanna, Playa del Rey, California; Kiana Keys, Chicago; Lauren Lyall, Sunnyvale, California; Michelle Moreno, Austin, Texas; Jennifer Niesen, Chicago; Sonia Nuno, Rialto, California; Kelly Parker, Jefferson, New York; Justine Perez, Roseville, California; Grace Rathbone, Seattle: Christine Riddle, Milwaukee; Nivia Riha, Charlotte; Kristina Sazama, Cove Springs, Florida; Erica Taylor, Vallejo, California; Brenna Turner, Venice, California; Kelly Winkler, Phoenix; Andrea Wrede, Pacific Grove, California; Jameelah Young, Washington, D.C.

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; and Richard Tobin, Partner, Aprio, LLP.

Meet the 2024 Foundation Committee

The 2024 Foundation Committee is comprised of the following individuals:

• Hannah Becker, Shareholder, GRAY | ROBINSON
• Chris Cataldi, VP, Managing Director, Supplier Development & Marketing, Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits
• Anna Chamness, Associate Manager, Public Relations & Social Media, Tito’s Handmade Vodka
• Béatrice Cointreau, President & CEO, byBC Wines
• Debra Dziena, Owner, DD Hospitality & Events & Leadership Development Advisor
• Jennifer Friedrichs, Regional Sales Manager, Santo Spirits
• Melody Fuller, Founder & President, The Oakland Wine Festival and The Exceptional Vine
• Felicia Ganthier, Director, Corporate Social Responsibility, Breakthru Beverage Group
• Cindy Haas, VP, External Communications & Corporate Social Responsibility, Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits
• Rachel Harris, VP, On-Premise, Suntory Global Spirits
• Alicia Iverson, Chief Financial Officer, Koloa Rum
• Sarah Kaneshiki, Brewing Supervisor, Sapporo-Stone Brewing
• Julie Kinch, Founder, JK Leadership Advisors
• Dr. Kathryn LaTour, Associate Professor, Wine Services Marketing, Cornell University
• Rhonda Motil, VP, Marketing, J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines
• Courtney Nuss, Wisconsin State Manager, Tito’s Handmade Vodka
• Cathleen Price, Business Manager, Breakthru Beverage Group Delaware
• Francie Purnell, Corporate Director, Retirement Plans, Scholarships & Foundations, Republic National Distributing Co.
• David Rudman, Executive Director – USA, Wine & Spirit Education Trust, Andrea Schaefer, Compliance Coordinator, Tito’s Handmade Vodka
• Kelly Stevens, Director National Accounts – On Premise, Sapporo-Stone Brewing
• Nellie Thornton, Sr. Manager of Marketing, Gallo
• Stacey Townsend, Director, Sales Training & Education – Spirits, Constellation Brands.

The Committee was responsible for reviewing applications and selecting finalists with guidance by Davey.

For more information about the various scholarships awarded visit wotvsfoundation.org.

2024 Women of the Vine & Spirits Foundation Donors:
Patron ($100,000+): Gallo; Advocate ($35,000-$99,999): Suntory Global Spirits; Benefactor ($15,000-$34,999): Domaine Serene, Republic National Distributing Company, Tito’s Handmade Vodka; Affiliate ($5,000-$14,999): Sazerac Company, Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits; Friend ($100-$999): Scott Laboratories Inc.

The Women of the Vine & Spirits Foundation, Ltd. 501(c)(3) is looking for donations to award scholarships in 2025.

To donate and learn more about donor levels and benefits visit wotvsfoundation.org or contact the Foundation at foundation@womenofthevine.com.