COMMITTEE MEMBERS

Tales of the Cocktail Foundation values bringing people together and sees opportunity in collective efforts to further the global drinks industry. It is with this spirit that the Foundation enlists industry experts and leaders to form advisory committees for Education, Philanthropy, Policy, Tales Catalyst and Spirited Awards®. Each of our committee members dedicates their time to ensuring that the Foundation is offering elevated programming, acknowledges innovation, and supports initiatives looking to advance the industry.

Philanthropy and Development Committee | Education Advisory Committee | Policy Initiative Committee | Tales Catalyst Committee | Spirited Awards Committee

Philanthropy and Development Committee

The Philanthropy & Development Committee is comprised of key industry stakeholders who advise the committee on promoting the welfare of the global hospitality industry. The Committee advises on the Foundation’s entire suite of giving efforts, including, but not limited to: grant-giving and direct relief, Beyond the Bar activations and Day of Service, policy and advocacy work, and non-profit partnerships.

Philanthropy & Development Committee

Co-Chairs:

Committee:

Tiffanie Barriere – The Drinking Coach – Atlanta, GA
Chris Cabrera – Culture Brand Consultant – New York City, NY
Claudia Cabrera – Bar Manager and Co-founder at Kaito del Valle, Fratelli Branca Brand – Mexico City, Mexico
Nandini Khaund – Spirit Guide + Consultant – Chicago, IL
Yisell Muxo – Director of Brand Advocacy Don Q Rum – San Juan, Puerto Rico
Lisa Nguyen – CureCo. Director of Service Operations – New Orleans, LA
Chris Patino, In Memoriam – Owner Raised by Wolves, Founder Simple Serve, Organizer Bartenders Weekend – San Diego, CA
Vivian Pei – Co-Founder, Snacky Mini Mart, F&B Specialist – Iowa City, Iowa
Kelsey Ramage – Co-founder of Black Lagoon Pop-Ups and Trash Collective – Los Angeles, CA

Education Advisory Committee

Overseeing the integrity of Tales of the Cocktail®’s educational programming, the Education Advisory Committee is subdivided into four streams of education: Beyond the Bar, Business, Culture, and Futures. These committees work collectively to curate seminars that address the interests, needs, and goals of bartenders globally.

Education Committee

Business Advisory Committee

An excellent bar only works if the business is built on an equally impressive foundation. The Business track explores the innovative operations, progressive bar programs, and creative bar concepts that shape the drinks industry. The Business Advisory Committee advises the Foundation on evolving business practices, and reviews and selects the Business Seminars presented at Tales of the Cocktail.

Co-Chairs:

Committee:

Chanel Adams – Business Development Specialist, Prime Botanica – Bangkok, Thailand
Carlos Aguinsky – Owner, Tres Monos and La Uat – Buenos Aires, Argentina
Brandon Grusd – GM, Proof & Company – South East Asia
Anna Sebastian – Founder, Anna Sebastian Hospitality and Celebrate Her – London,UK
Natasha Sofia – Global Advocacy Director, Altos Planos – Washington, D.C.

Culture Advisory Committee

Thoughtfully exploring the culture, trends, and techniques of the bartending community has always been at the core of Tales of the Cocktail’s programming. The Culture track is industry-driven and designed for bartenders of all levels to bolster their spirit proficiency and drinks industry history. The Culture Advisory Committee advises the Foundation on the review and selection of cultural seminars and events presented at Tales of the Cocktail.

Co-Chairs:

Committee:

Giulia Cuccurullo – Head Bartender, Artesian – London, UK
Stanislav Harciník – Publishing Author & Founder of The Cocktail Balance – Bratislava, Slovakia
Keith Motsi – Beverage Operations & Head Bartender, Four Seasons Hotel – Tokyo, Japan
Lara Rawa – Founder, Lagos Cocktail Week – Lagos, Nigeria
Hardeep Rehal – Owner at Cocktailsolutions DK – Copenhagen, Denmark
Minakshi Singh – Co-Founder, Cocktails and Dreams Speakeasy – Gurgaon & Co-Founder, Sidecar – New Delhi, India

Beyond the Bar Advisory Committee

The Beyond the Bar track is the place to advocate for and support the complex issues that face the spirits industry. The track facilitates dialogue and inspires thinking around pressing topics facing the industry, from social justice to lifestyle, health, and substance use. The Beyond the Bar Advisory Committee advises the Foundation on the content and intersectionality of these topics, and supports the review and selection of seminars, intimate workshops, and activations for Tales of the Cocktail.

Co-Chairs:

Committee:

Ara Caravallo –Co-Founder, Barra Mexico – Mexico & Portfolio Director, Distill Ventures – Amsterdam, Netherlands
Vicky Ilankovan – Executive Director, Equal Measures UK – London, UK
Brenna McGee Psychotherapist, Brenna McGee LMFT Minneapolis, MN
Rebecca Sturt – Marketing Manager, Middle East and India, Rémy Cointreau & Owner, Dubai Bartenders Club – Dubai, UAE

Futures Advisory Committee

The bar and hospitality industry plays a critical role in shaping an era of innovation. In a globally connected world, technological advancements and social innovation are transforming how we gather. The Futures track is a gathering place for big conversations about a brighter future. The Futures Advisory Committee advises the Foundation on future-focused spirits industry topics, and reviews and selects educational content for Tales of the Cocktail.

Co-Chairs:

Committee

Andrew Ho – Hope & Sesame – Guangzhou/Shenzhen, China
Bobby Carey – Creative Director, Proof Creative – Singapore
Stephanie Jordan – CEO & Founder of Avallen Spirits & Solutions – London, UK

Policy Committee

The Policy Committee is vital in establishing actionable goals and solutions for developing a multifaceted policy agenda focused on federal policy reform in support of bartenders and service industry professionals. The Policy Committee includes various bar industry experts and young industry professionals who can provide a unique perspective in formulating the foundation of a strategic policy agenda, which is intended to positively impact the bar industry and profession through a policy reform action plan and advocacy efforts. The Policy Committee’s efforts are a long-term engagement between the community, bar industry professionals, and policymakers to implement substantial policy changes nationwide.

For more information about the Tales of the Cocktail Foundation Policy Initiative, contact [email protected].

Policy Committee

Committee Members:

Zen Castro – Bartender, Espiritu Mezcaleria Restaurant and Bar Back, BeachBum Berry’s Latitude 29 – New Orleans, Louisiana
Jayanthi Daniel – Executive Director, Restaurant Workers Community Foundation – Los Angeles, California
Lauren Darnell – Program Director, Love Your City Initiative – New Orleans, Louisiana
Amanda Gunderson – Co-Founder, Another Round Another Rally – Los Angeles, California
Kaiden Hope – Multicultural Portfolio Associate, Beam Suntory – New York, New York
Alex Jump – Co-Founder and Senior Manager of Operations, Focus on Health – Denver, Colorado
Jesse Maguire – U.S. Trade Engagement Manager, Beam Suntory – New York City, New York
Lynnette Marrero – Bartender, Mixologist, Philanthropist, and Creator, Speed Rack – New York City, New York
Robin Nance – Strategic Branding Expert, Creative Engagement Architect, People Centered Visionary – Albany, Indiana
John Reyna – Managing Attorney, Texas Hospitality – Dallas,Texas

Tales Catalysts

Tales of the Cocktail Foundation’s Tales Catalyst Committee consists of active Tales Catalysts who have shaped the beverage landscape, providing visible models of achievement for tomorrow’s leaders. A celebration of hospitality trail-blazers, the active Tales Catalysts work to select individuals who have made a unique and lasting impact on the accessibility and intersectionality of the cocktail community by introducing annually two new “Tales Catalysts” — the U.S. Honoree and International Honoree.

A celebration of hospitality trail-blazers, the active Tales Catalysts work to select individuals who have made a unique and lasting impact on the accessibility and intersectionality of the cocktail community by introducing annually two new “Tales Catalysts” — the U.S. Honoree and International Honoree.

Tales Catalyst Committee

Co-Chairs:

Active Committee:

Bridget Albert– Served Up podcast host – Shorewood, IL
Kitty Amann – Trade Advocacy Specialist and Market Manager, Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey – Woonsocket, RI
Anu Apte – Owner of Rob Roy. Co-owner of Navy Strength, and Vinnie’s Wine Shop – Seattle / WA
Brooke Arthur– Trade Advocacy Lead, Team – Sacramento,CA
Tiffanie Barriere – The Drinking Coach – Atlanta, Georgia
Moncia Berg – Co-Owner, Tayēr + Elementary – London, UK
Chris Cabrera – Cultural Brand Consultant – New York, NY
Cris Dehlavi – Regional Educator, Diageo Brands – Columbus, Ohio
Meaghan Dorman – Bar Director: Raines Law Room & Dear Irving – New York, NY
Tracie Franklin – Fuonder Get Spirited Consulting and VP Of Innovation at Pronghorn – Washington DC
Tara Foughner – Co-Founder, Thirsty Media – Miami, FL & New York, NY
Kate Gerwin – Owner Happy Accidents – Albuquerque, New Mexico
Abigail Gullo – Creative Director, International House Hotel Loa Bar – New Orleans, LA
Amanda Gunderson – CEO/Cofounder – Los Angeles, CA
Lynn House – National Spirits Specialist and Portfolio Mixologist for Heaven Hill Brands – Chicago, Illinois
Lynnette Marrero – Partner & Chief Mixologist, Delola Teacher at Masterclass.com; Liquid Creative Director, Aplós; and Co-Founder, Speed Rack – Beacon NY
ms. franky marshall – Modern Bartender ~ Educator – New York, NY
Anistatia Miller – Director / Mixellany Limited – Chippenham, Wiltshire, United Kingdom
Keyatta Mincey Parker – Founder and Executive Director of A Sip of Paradise Garden / Chief Curating Officer Pictures and Cocktails LLC – Atlanta, GA
Shannon Mustipher – Spirits Educator and Consultant – Brooklyn, NY
Lauren O’Brien – CEO LP Drinks & Focus on Health – Silver Spring, MD
Tess Posthumus – Bar owner – Haaarlem, the Netherlands
Julie Reiner – Co owner Clover Club, Milady’s, Leyenda, The Saloon – Brooklyn, NY
Nicola Riske – European Brand Ambassador – The Macallan, Madrid, Spain
Claire Warner – Head of Advocacy, Diageo – United Kingdom
Pamela Wiznitzer – Beverage Consultant – New York, NY

Spirited Awards Committee

The Spirited Awards® Committee, including Co-Chairs, Regional and Writing & Media Judges, is comprised of respected bartenders, bar owners, educators, and writers from across the globe. Drawing on their years of experience, the Co-Chairs and Committee Members evaluate individuals and establishments from within their region, and Writing & Media Judges evaluate nominations from far and wide, to ensure that the Spirited Awards are inclusive and represent the breadth and diversity of the global drinks industry.

Spirited Awards Committee Members are not eligible to vote in any category in which they or their workplace are nominated.