McBride Sisters Collection Shifts The Wine Industry Narrative With Its First Annual SHE CAN Professional Development Fund

McBride Sisters Collection is proud to announce recipients of its 2019 SHE CAN Professional Development Fund. Created and funded by McBride Sisters Collection, the scholarships provide financial assistance and resources to women advancing their careers and pursuing leadership positions in the male-dominated wine industry. The brand partnered with Women of the Vine and Spirits, the world’s leading membership organization for women in the alcohol beverage industry, to administer the Fund.

“Gender diversity in this industry has improved over our last 14 years in business, but there’s still work to be done. According to catalyst.org, 85% of companies agree a diverse and inclusive workforce is critical to driving innovation, so it’s time to level the playing field. We are passionate about supporting other women in wine and will do our part to close the gap, one scholarship at a time,” said Andréa McBride John and Robin McBride, McBride Sisters Collection Founders.

The 2019 SHE CAN Professional Development Fund awarded over $37,000 to 12 women for the following scholarships:

• Business of Wine Certification: Billie Harris, Shanika Hillocks
• Wine Business Management:  Jessica Diaz
• Wine Business MBA: Hannah DeYoung, Alicia Kidd, Caitlyn Krug, Ann-Marie Mattis, Martha Vicedomini
• Professional Development Conference Attendees: Kyle Burke, Cassandre Schaeg, Sarah Timbrook-Nugent, Racquel Valbrun

“Thanks to the generosity of Corporate Members like McBride Sisters Collection, the Women of the Vine & Spirits Foundation is creating life-changing opportunities that go well beyond financial assistance,” said Deborah Brenner, founder and CEO, Women of the Vine & Spirits. “Aligned with our mission to empower and advance women in the beverage alcohol industry, these scholarships also are instrumental in fostering the next generation of leaders and attracting women to join us in the beverage alcohol industry.” 

The McBride Sisters Collection will announce details for the 2020 SHE CAN Scholarship Fund on March 8 in celebration of International Women’s Day. To learn more about the McBride Sisters’ SHE CAN Professional Development Fund please visit www.mcbridesisters.com/shecan. SHE CAN do anything!