Crafted Fellows | Crafted For Action

Meet the 2024 - 2025 Crafted Fellows Cohort!

We are proud to announce the 2024 - 2025 Crafted Fellows Cohort, representing six BIPOC owned craft beverage brands.

Kaila Davis, CrazySexyCraft

CrazySexyCraft is on a mission to celebrate diversity within the craft beer space and introduce people from all walks of life to the rich and flavorful world of craft beer.

Darren Armstrong, Deuce & A Quarter, LLC

Our mission is to shine a light on and grow the unTAPped by curating craft beer experiences that foster community, celebrate diversity, the richness of originality, culture, and craft beer education.

Michelle Turner, Excited to Feast, LLC

Excited to Feast is dedicated to enriching the beer industry by promoting diversity through food and cultural education and experiences. Our mission is to foster a more inclusive community by highlighting and celebrating global culinary flavors. Through curated events and educational programs, we aim to elevate underrepresented voices, expand cultural appreciation, and inspire a deeper connection to beer.

Angel Hobbs, KRAVE

Krave’s mission is to promote convenience through ready to drink cocktail seltzers, utilizing simple ingredients to achieve a flavorful taste at an affordable price.

Damon Arredondo, Rizoma Liquid Creations

Rizoma's mission is to sustainably, justly, and equitably create quality & consistent products, while using our platform to amplify voices, and empower through effective community engagement, and emotional storytelling.

Caitlyn Jordan, StellaTripp Brewing Company

Our mission is to make unique and exceptional beers, while fostering a welcoming atmosphere that encourages and motivates our community. We also aim to support businesses owned by women, non-binary individuals, and other minorities. Our ultimate goal is to become a model of inclusivity in the craft beer industry, and provide a gathering place where all people can come together and savor the best of craft beer. And why not bring home some trophies by 2030 while we're at it?

Crafted Fellows is an annual accelerator program that supports and empowers BIPOC owned beverage industry businesses by offering strategic support during the Crafted for Action Craft Beer Conference and beyond. This one-of-a-kind program creates space for a small group of entrepreneurs to connect with and learn from one another while offering opportunities for professional development, network building, and mentoring.

Fellows will attend the annual conference to participate in a tailored track of panels and compete for a microgrant and awards package during a live pitch competition. Post conference, the cohort of Fellows will reconvene virtually for regular mentoring sessions and peer-centric support.

Fellowship Benefits

Fellowship benefits include:

Complimentary VIP registration to the annual Crafted for Action Craft Beer Conference held June 19 - 22, 2024 in Atlanta, GA.
Complimentary access to the virtual panels for the 2024 Crafted for Action Craft Beer Conference.
Promotional highlight during the annual Crafted for Action Craft Beer Conference at the conference venue and on the website.
Personalized Crafted Fellows Track of sessions at the annual Crafted for Action Craft Beer Conference.
Entry into the pitch competition at the annual Crafted for Action Craft Beer Conference for a chance to win a monetary grant.
Ongoing support via the 2024 Crafted Cohort convening after the annual conference.

Program Expectations

Fellows are expected to:

Attend the annual conference to participate in a required, tailored track of panels and to compete for a grant and awards package.
Participate in the 2024 Crafted Cohort mentoring and peer group. The Crafted Cohort will meet virtually on a regular basis for eight sessions.
Provide the Crafted for Action Conference Committee with feedback on the Fellows Program.
Permit Crafted for Action to use the Fellow’s name and story for fundraising and other strategic needs.
Advise on the future of the Crafted Fellows Program, particularly in regard to the selection of the subsequent year’s Fellows.

Program Timeline

January 1: Application Period Opens
March 15: Application Period Closes
March 29: Crafted Fellows Announced
June 19: Program Kick-Off
June 20: Pitch Competition
Fall 2024: Virtual Accelerator Sessions Begin

Frequently Asked Questions

Are travel and lodging accommodations provided for selected Fellows?

No. Travel and lodging expenses are the responsibility of the participant(s).

How long is the program?

The program begins on the first day of the Crafted for Action conference and ends at the conclusion of the final mentoring session, anticipated for January or February of the following year.

How many people/ventures are accepted each year?

Not more than eight (8) ventures or individuals are accepted annually.

The 2024 application period is closed.