Tales of the Cocktail is proud to announce that Colin Asare-Appiah and Jasmine Haralson will serve as co-chairs of the new Diversity Council. In their new positions, Asare-Appiah and Haralson will build and lead a diverse group of cocktail professionals and experts in diversity in discussing the issues of inclusion and developing actionable plans to address them. These recommendations and best practices will be shared with cocktail professionals from around the world through Tales of the Cocktail, both at events and online, to encourage and reward implementation across the cocktail business.
“I am honored that Colin and Jasmine have agreed to take on this critical and difficult task,” said Ann Tuennerman, Founder of Tales of Cocktail. “Their diversity of experience both in the industry and outside of it will compliment each other well in finding solutions that can begin to address the diversity issues our industry faces.”
Colin Asare-Appiah is a 20-year veteran of the cocktail industry starting in a bar in Greece to his current role as Senior Portfolio Ambassador for Bacardi. Asare-Appiah uses his years of experience in working with bartenders and service staffers to inspire their creativity that will push the boundaries of the cocktail industry. In addition to working at practically every level within the cocktail industry from bartending to managing to building bar programs around the world, Asare-Appiah has brought an entrepreneurial approach to the industry having founded the London Academy of Bartending and played a major role in the television show Cocktail Kings on the Discovery Channel.
“I really appreciate the opportunity to co-chair the Tales of the Cocktail Diversity Council with Jasmine Haralson and utilize her extensive experience,” said Asare-Appiah. “The council will provide a platform for fostering considerate practices across our industry and I hope everyone will join us and get involved for the benefit of all members of our community”
Jasmine Haralson currently serves as the Director of External Affairs and Board Secretary for the New Orleans Redevelopment Authority (NORA). In this role, Haralson serves as NORA’s liaison to local, state and federal officials while overseeing community outreach and marketing for the Authority. Jasmine brings more than 15 years in public service to her role as co-chair of the Diversity Council, having served in a number of roles within the New Orleans City Council including Chief of Staff for District A and Deputy Director of the Department of Parks and Parkways.
“It’s truly an honor to be asked to serve as Co-Chair of the Diversity Council for Tales of the Cocktail,” said Haralson. “As a non-industry partner I hope to utilize my 15 years of experience in Governmental Affairs and Community Relations to assist Ann, the TOTC Board and Team with addressing matters that affect people who have been marginalized in this industry and provide solutions to ensure equitable opportunities and inclusion.”
Asare-Appiah and Haralson will now work with Tales of the Cocktail to identify industry and non-industry professionals to join the Diversity Council. More information about the Diversity Council including council members and progress will be shared at TalesoftheCocktail.com.
About Tales of the Cocktail®
Founded in 2002, Tales of the Cocktail® has grown from a small gathering of cocktail lovers into the world’s premier cocktail festival. Each year the international spirits industry is welcomed to NewrnOrleans for a week of seminars, tastings, networking events and much more. With 200+ annual events developed specifically for bartenders, distillers and other spirits professionals, Tales of the Cocktail® is the industry’s annual meeting place for the exchanging of new ideas, products and techniques.
Tales of the Cocktail® also produces a number of other events and programs such as Tales of the Cocktail® on Tour, Tales 365, Tales of the Toddy® and Daiquiri Season, all to further the mission of supporting and growing the international cocktail community.
About the New Orleans Culinary and Cultural Preservation Society
Tales of the Cocktail® is produced by the New Orleans Culinary & Cultural Preservation Society (NOCCPS), a non-profit organization committed to supporting, promoting and growing the cocktail industry in New Orleans and around the world. In addition to offering opportunities to learn and acquire new skills through Tales of the Cocktail®rnevents and Tales 365®, the NOCCPS invests the proceeds back into the spirits industry. Since 2008, the NOCCPS has invested more than $886,000 into programs like the Cocktail Apprentice Program, a tuition reimbursement program, the Apprentice medical aid fund, educational scholarships and a new health and wellness program for members of the hospitality industry.
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