FIU Hospitality celebrates women with inaugural membership into global network — Women of the Vine & Spirits

Just in time for Women's History Month, Women of the Vine & Spirits (WOTVS) announced a new university and college membership. FIU's Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management is its first member.

WOTVS is a global membership organization dedicated to pushing the wine, beer and spirits industry toward a more diverse, equitable and inclusive era that supports business development and innovation, empowering all to thrive.

WOTVS university and college membership cultivates the next generation of leaders in beverage alcohol, showcasing career opportunities within the industry, and feeding their corporate members’ talent pipeline with diverse candidates.

The membership provides students in the Chaplin School and FIU Bacardi Center of Excellence access to WOTVS’ wealth of content and resources, including programs focusing on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI). 

“This is a brilliant and unique opportunity for all our students — female and male — to take part in Women of the Vine & Spirits' programs and to understand why DEI is a business imperative to economic empowerment and the achievement of equity in the workplace,” said Brian Connors, director of FIU’s Bacardi Center of Excellence and FIU hospitality professor. “Being a member of WOTVS enhances our program tremendously to set students up for success as they embark on their career journey.”

Membership gives students year-round access to unique educational opportunities, networking and mentorship. This includes access to the organization’s membership directory with opportunities to connect with industry leaders; a calendar of events rich in thought-provoking content from industry professionals and outside experts; a resource library full of pertinent articles and training documents; scholarship opportunities through the WOTVS Foundation; and a job board with open positions and direct contacts to corporate member companies who are hiring.

“Our [membership] offers students first-hand knowledge from industry professionals and access to professionals actively working in positions they may choose to explore while introducing them to the opportunities the industry has to offer,” said Deborah Brenner, founder & CEO of Women of the Vine & Spirits. “In turn, our corporate members can tap into the student’s unencumbered innovative ideas and visions for the future.”

Additionally, active Chaplin School students will be able to include their WOTVS university and college membership affiliation on their resumes as well as completion of any training undertaken through the program. Training programs include Sexual Misconduct Prevention & Response, provided by RAINN, the nation's largest anti-sexual violence organization. WOTVS offers RAINN training in partnership with corporate member Distilled Spirits Council of the United States (DISCUS) as part of an ongoing initiative to support those in the hospitality and beverage alcohol industry.

Upon graduation, participants will receive a complimentary one-year individual membership (a $150/year value) to continue networking and furthering their personal and professional development as they embark on their career paths into the hospitality and beverage alcohol industry.

Students interested in membership can sign up at https://www.womenofthevine.com/join by entering their FIU email address.  

Women of the Vine & Spirits Corporate members

Founding member: Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits

Diamond members: Breakthru Beverage Group; Bronco Wine Company; Brown-Forman; E. & J. Gallo Winery; Frederick Wildman & Sons, Ltd.; Moët Hennessy USA; Republic National Distributing Company; Shaw-Ross International Importers, Skrewball Whiskey, and Ste. Michelle Wine Estates

Platinum members: Beam Suntory; Constellation Brands; J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines; O’Neill Vintners and Distillers, Pernod Ricard USA; and William Grant & Sons

Full list of corporate members