Women of the Vine & Spirits Foundation Surpasses $1 Million in Scholarships Awarded, Fosters the Next Generation of Women Leaders

Global nonprofit reaches new milestone with the announcement of its Class of 2025, continuing its mission to elevate women’s leadership in beverage and hospitality

November 20, 2025 (New York, NY) – The Women of the Vine & Spirits Foundation (www.wotvsfoundation.org) proudly announced their Class of 2025 scholarship recipients, marking a major milestone of more than $1 million in scholarships awarded since the Foundation’s inception in 2017.

Investing in Education, Leadership, and Opportunity 

With a philosophy that education, leadership and professional development are paramount to helping women advance their careers in the food, wine, spirits, beer, and hospitality industries, the Foundation awarded 34 scholarships to recipients representing 14 countries this year as part of its global scholarship program. 

A Decade of Impact

The Women of the Vine & Spirits Foundation, the charitable arm of Women of the Vine & Spirits (www.womenofthevine.com), is the leading mission-driven global membership organization comprised of women and men dedicated to empowering and advancing women in the alcohol and alternative beverage industry.

This year, Women of the Vine & Spirits celebrates its 10^th anniversary, marking a decade of impact, progress and community.

A Milestone Reaching Across the Globe 

“Crossing the $1 million mark in scholarship funding is a monumental achievement and a testament to our community’s unwavering commitment to empowering women around the world,” said Deborah Brenner, President of Women of the Vine & Spirits Foundation. “Each of our 2025 recipients represents the future of this industry - innovators, leaders, and changemakers who are breaking barriers and shaping a more inclusive and dynamic future. We extend our deepest gratitude to our donors, whose continued support has been instrumental in empowering women around the world.”

Since its founding in 2017, the Foundation has awarded 407 scholarships supporting women in pursuing education, certifications, and professional training programs that elevate their careers and enrich the beverage and hospitality industries across the globe. 

Recognizing the 2025 Foundation Donors

Advocate ($35,000–$99,999): Suntory Global Spirits.

Benefactor ($15,000–$34,999): Gallo; Gérard Basset Foundation; Oak Ridge Winery; Tito’s Handmade Vodka.

Affiliate ($5,000–$14,999): Breakthru Beverage Group; Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits; The Wine Group.

Supporter ($1,000-$4,999): Ridge Vineyards’ Diversity Committee. 

To learn more about Foundation Donors, visit wotvsfoundation.org/our-donors.

Meet the Class of 2025

Continuing & Professional Education Scholarships: Claudia Chamberlain, Washington, DC, Ana Bertha Gallegos Barcenas, Montreal, Canada, Leona De Pasquale, London, United Kingdom, Lauren King, Seattle, WA, Christina Pisciotto, Montpellier, France, Nika Shevela, Barcelona, Spain, Shalini Singh, Bhopal, India, Karene Vilela, São Paulo, Brazil.

WSET Level 1 Award Scholarships: Shannon Clancy, Madrid, Spain, Dakota Goldman, Spokane, WA, Lydia Mead, Seattle, WA, Myat Thazin Win, Dubai, UAE. 

WSET Level 2 Award Scholarships: Brit Bedford, Tucson, AZ, Devon Johnson, Wasilla, AK, Kalyani Kholia, New Delhi, India, Pooja Sathyanarayanan, San Francisco, CA, Leia Tyner, Alameda, CA, Sherra Williams, Herndon, VA, Amy Windland, Columbia, SC, Marina Yalour, Buenos Aires, Argentina.

WSET Level 3 Award Scholarships: Zaida Alejandra Cuevas Corona, Valle de Guadalupe, Mexico, Amilla Dlakic, Lakewood, NY, Janet Kangéthe, Nairobi, Kenya, Anastasiia Kornilova, Lisbon, Portugal, Josefina Muscianisi Soldati, Dubrovnik, Croatia, Nazareth Padilla Montero, San Jose, Costa Rica, Ximena Saray Ramirez Gonzalez, Jalisco, Mexico.

WSET Level 4 Diploma Scholarships: Esther Onguta, Toronto, Canada, Jemma Styer, Johannesburg, South Africa.

DISCUS Academy Developing Leadership Scholarships: Lilly Heath, Bothell, WA, Jett Kolarik, Atlanta, GA.

DISCUS Academy Executive Leadership Scholarships: Diana Arellano, Coral Gables, FL, Felicia Ohnmacht, Denver, CO, Ellen Torvi, Oakland, CA.

Overseeing the growth and development of the non-profit is the Foundation Board and Committee. To view the full list of names, visit wotvsfoundation.org/foundation-leaders.

Looking Ahead: Scholarships for 2026 and Beyond

The Women of the Vine & Spirits Foundation, Ltd. 501(c)(3) is seeking donations to award scholarships in 2026. To donate and learn more about donor levels and benefits, visit wotvsfoundation.org or contact the Foundation at foundation@womenofthevine.com.

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