NEW ORLEANS, LA–In its efforts to continue fostering inclusivity and diversity in the spirits and cocktail industries, Tales of the Cocktail® is pleased to announce the members of the inaugural Diversity Council. This Councilrncomposed of professionals from across the industry and outside of the industry, will work towards implementing progressive initiatives and monitoring their progress over time. This process will be completely transparent, and each initiative will be documented and made viewable to the public.
“I love our community and there are positive changes happening. It is really encouraging to see so many people giving up their precious time to get involved and push for considerate practices.” -Colin Asare-Appiah, Co-chair of the Diversity Council, Senior PortfoliornAmbassador for Bacardi
The mission statement of the Diversity Council is to make sure that both the external and internal aspects of Tales of the Cocktail® are designed to reflect diversity and progressive attitudes in regards to race, sexuality and gender. The council members will examine the current recruitment process for all of Tales’ programs, including the Cocktail Apprentice Program, the Spirited Awards committee and judges, the Education Fellowship Program, thernInternship Program, the Seminar Selection Committee, the Media ApplicationrnReview Committee, the editorial solicitation process and the Preferred VendorsrnProgram. After reviewing the process for each program, the members will then propose changes for each and discuss the best ways to implement them.
“This next year we have a lot of work ahead of us as the Diversity Council takes on the critical task of identifying the inclusion issues our industry faces and coming up with solutions to address them. Before all this work begins, I would like to invite you to a reception at the New Orleans Jazz Market during Tales of the Cocktail 2017. We are bringing together a small group of industry thought leaders to begin a conversation while honoring you and the rest of the council for your service to this important cause.” -Jasmine Haralson, Co-chair of the Diversity Council
The members of the 2017 Diversity Council are listed below:
Ken Baranda
Pernod Ricard, NBV Brand Ambassador/Craft Spirits Specialist
Tiffanie Barriere
Avion, Atlanta Manager/Ambassador
Drinking with the Girls
Alexis Brown
Causing a Stir, Serving Life Behind Bars, Mixologist
Jordan Bushell
Moet Hennessy, National Ambassador
Kevin J. Davis
Bar Manager
Je’Wesley Day
Cocktail Chronicles, Founder
Ran Duan
The Baldwin Bar, Owner
Erica Dudas
New Orleans Musicians’ Clinic & Assistance Foundation, Managing Director
Rhonda Jenkins-Dunning
High Limit, Mixologist
Andrew Friedman
Liberty/Scout Spirits, Owner
Patrik Gallineaux
Stoli Group, North American LGBT Manager and Ambassador
Cameron George
USBG Heavy Restaurant Group, Washington President
Barrio Latin Spirits Bar, Bar Manager
Manny Gonzales
Moet Hennessy USA, Senior Multicultural Director
Chris Hannah
French 75, Bartender
Charles Hardwick
drinkmärkt, Owner
Aaron Joseph
R. Bar, Beverage Director
Thayer Abaigael Lund
Cocktail Enthusiast
Ms. Franky Marshall
Le Boudoir, Bartender/Beverage Director
Douglass Miller
Cornell University, Lecturer
Joe Periera
Herbs and Rye, Bartender
Jonathan Peterson
Brand Ambassador
Samara Rivers
Black Bourbon Society, CEO
Kelli Saluny
Style & Taste, CEO/founder
Joseph D. Solis
Sol Hospitality Group, CEO/Founder
Moet Hennessy, Senior Consultant
Jackie Summers
JackFromBrooklyn Incorporated, Founder
Duane Sylvestre
Brand Ambassador
Joshua Wagner
Miami Beach Edition, Director of Culture & Entertainment
Tracey Wiley
Citizen Education, Blogging Manager
Drive Sports Performance, Trainer
Amanda Victoria
The Scotch Malt Whisky Society, Communication and Business Development Director
Aperitif Hour, Founder
