Speakers | Crafted For Action

2024 Speakers & Hosts

Aaron McGinnis

Aaron McGinnis is a Clinically Trained and Board Certified Chaplain with several years of experience in grief and trauma in hospital as well as hospice settings. He works as a Bereavement Coordinator, Grief Counselor, and Chaplain for a local Hospice in his hometown. He recently not only become Board Certified but also has received a Pastoral Care Specialist Certification and is now pursuing certification as a Master Neuro Health/Neuro Change Practitioner As an occasional homebrewer and Craft Beer enthusiast, Aaron works to share the love of craft beer with others in the industry and beyond. Using his quick wit, charisma, and humor, talking with him in any situation is made worthwhile. He loves spending time with his daughter, learning more about the many topics he is passionate about-from beer to whiskey to neuroscience, psychology, theology and beyond- and loves making jokes. He fell in love with the beer industry many years ago and increased his knowledge, love, expertise, and craft while making great friends working for a small stint at a brewery himself. Aaron’s greatest passion is in helping others, whether that be through therapy and chat to sharing a beer with someone and deeply listening to them without judgment. To that end he has created his own online therapy/coaching business called Sacred Harmony and Wholeness, which can be found here: www.mysacredharmony.com. Aaron looks forward to continuing conversation, community, and connections.

Adam Beachmap

Adam Beauchamp is the incoming Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of Creature Comforts Brewing Company in Athens, GA. A Georgia native, Adam attended the University of Georgia, graduating with dual degrees in Genetics and Ecology. After a year and a half pursuing a PhD in Genetics and Molecular Biology at Emory University, he decided to follow his dream of opening a craft brewery. Adam spent seven years at SweetWater Brewing Company, working in every production department and homebrewing on the weekends to develop his craft.
In 2014, Adam opened Creature Comforts along with the other founders as Co-Brewmaster. Subsequently, he led the production and quality teams through eight years of strong growth while maintaining quality and developing a team of talented managers. In February 2021, Adam took on the role of Chief Operating Officer, adding responsibility for Finance, Accounting, Business Operations, and Creature Comforts’ direct-to-consumer division. In late 2022, he took a role as Chief Production Officer, focusing on supply-side efficiency and process development.
Adam has served on the Brewers Association's sustainability subcommittee for five years and has been its co-chair for the past two years. He currently resides in Athens, GA, with his wife of 17 years, Katie Beauchamp, who is the Director of Hospitality at Creature Comforts, and their daughter, Jane.

Ale Sharpton

Dennis Malcolm Byron aka Ale Sharpton is a world-renowned beer authority, award-winning
journalist, blogger (AleSharpton.com), photographer, event planner, host, speaker, and travel
writer to name a few of his roles. While passionately traveling the globe to cover everything from
automobiles to culinary scenes, celebrity profiles, sports, hotel destinations, art, and what he
terms “the world’s best beverage,” Ale has contributed to more than 30 magazines and
websites, including USAToday, Thrillist.com, Theinfatuation.com, ButterATL.com, Craft Beer &
Brewing, CraftBeer.com, James Beard, Lifestyle Publications, Atlanta Magazine, and others.
Ale has also conceptualized a beer called Piano Keys—a chocolate vanilla imperial
stout—geared to support diversity and racial equality. This project alongside New Belgium also
spawned his initiative , BrewGether , which raises funds to support nonprofits especially in the
urban agriculture space embracing the same mission as Piano Keys.
Ale proudly owns AllWays Open Creative Solutions, an agency specializing in creative direction,
logo design, branding, web design, video production, photography, consulting, and social media.
This agency also produces various events including product launches, automobile exhibits,
restaurant tastings, festivals and art shows. Lexus, Loews Hotels, Heineken, Bon & Viv, New
Belgium, Delirium, Monday Night Brewing, Pabst, Cathead Vodka, SVEDKA, Woodchuck Cider,
Wicked Weed, Jekyll Brewing, and elite artist Hebru Brantley are just some of the many clients
who have worked with AllWays Open.
Follow Ale’s globetrotting adventures on his captivating Instagram ( @realalesharpton ).

AlexusWashington

Alexus Washington is a south Florida native who grew up influenced by the arts. After attending University of South Florida, she was inspired to hone in her creative skills which lead her to being owner of TrellVision Studio, a successful creative studio producing digital marketing designs. Since then she’s worked with companies like Adobe, MeUndies, Colourpop, and numerous of local businesses. Alexus aspires to establish a design enterprise dedicated to crafting unique and accessible experiences for people of color within their companies.
Website: trellvisionstudio.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexuscr

Alisa Bowens Mercado

Alisa Bowens-Mercado is the founder and owner of the first and currently only Black-woman owned brewery in Connecticut, Rhythm Brewing Co. Before entering the brewery business, Alisa worked at her family's construction business before opening her own dance studio--Alisa’s House of Salsa in 2000. Alisa was featured in the documentary film One Pint at a Time and partnered with Samuel Adams on a sparkling lager called "Up Tempo" in 2021. In 2022, she brewed a collaboration beer with Joy Braddock of Hog River Brewing Co. and Heather Wilson of Hop Culture Farms & Brew Co. to create Bombshell IPA, whose proceeds benefited CT Pink Boots Society Scholarship for Women in Brewing. Alisa is currently working towards becoming the first Black-owned, woman-owned, nationally distributed beer brand in the country.

Andrea Janise

Andrea Janise Byron is the co-founder of BrewGether alongside craft beer ambassador, Ale Sharpton. Andrea is an experienced community builder and strategic thinker, bringing 15+ years of non-profit experience in program development, operations and grantmaking. Andrea has served in key roles at the Navigate Foundation, United Way of Greater Atlanta, and Spelman College, gaining unique insight into solutions for the complexity of community needs and the impact of philanthropic initiatives. In the creative realm, Andrea is a food and lifestyle creative under the Instagram handle @ATLFoodWriter. As a natural connector, Andrea is always working to bring people and resources together for positive change.

Angi Thomas

As a Dallas native, Angi brings over 11 years of extensive experience as a Brand Ambassador,
coupled with a remarkable journey as the CEO and Moderator for Being Black in Craft podcast.
Angi highlights all fermentables in BIPOC craft spaces in her interviews. Her goal is to become
the NPR of the Craft Beer community. She proudly serves as the Co-chair for Diversity, Equity,
Inclusion, and Justice (DEIJ) at Pink Boots Society, holding the esteemed position on the Board
for PBS as Communications Director.
Additionally, she contributes to the industry's advancement as a Social Curator for Lifting Lucy
and plays a pivotal role in promoting diversity and inclusion as a member of the DEI committee
for the Texas Craft Brewers Guild.

Ann Reilly

Ann Reilly has served as the Executive Director of the NYC Brewers Guild since 2019, and is a member of the Board of Directors of Infinite Ingredient. In her role with the Guild, Ann’s focus has been predominantly on growth and advocacy for the NYC brewing community, and assisting member breweries to thrive in a highly competitive market. Dedicated to showcasing the unique and diverse offerings of the city's craft beer scene, while also advocating for policies that support small businesses and local artisans. As well as helping to create, implement and enforce programs and policies that make this industry a more inclusive, safe and supportive place to a wider community and audience. Working in tandem with similarly aligned associations, organizations and city agencies, both locally and more globally, to continually elevate the NYC Beer scene, one person and one pint at a time.

Ashlie Randolph

Las Vegan Ashlie Niquel Randolph is a founding member of Mo' Betta Brews, a minority-focused, beer-centric social club created to provide an inclusive space for craft beer enthusiasts of color rooted in brews and beats full of flavor, soul, and craft. Seeing beer as anthropology in a glass, Ashlie is passionate about exploring craft beers worldwide and incorporating global culinary legacies in her own brews. Ashlie is the founder of brewery-in-planning Brawta Brewing and proud co-found of Lifting Lucy, a 510(c)(3) organization driven by a mission to support Black, Indigenous, and all Women of Color in beer industry events and educational opportunities.

Ashlie is also a Duvel USA Brand Ambassador, Pink Boots Society Board Member, Pink Boots Society of Las Vegas Chapter President, NAACP Branch #1111 Executive Committee Member, Community Partner Diversity, and Inclusion Committee Chair.

Bianca Anderson

Bianca Anderson is a passionate individual, with a true love for winemaking, eager to deepen her
knowledge and skills with experienced mentors. She has achieved notable recognition in the industry,
including being a Roots Fund Scholar in 2021, a Grantee of The Veraison Project in 2023, and and has
been serving as the President of Hue Society Atlanta since 2023.
Bianca completed WSET Level I at Atlanta Wine School in 2018, passing with distinction and furthered
her wine education by completing WSET Level II at Napa Valley Wine Academy in 2022, passing with
merit. Overall, Bianca Anderson showcases her dedication to the wine industry by consistently creating
spaces for black and brown people to thrive and through her commitment to continuous learning and
growth in the field. One of Bianca's passion projects includes filming 21 episodes of wine education
content for "Taste on TV," an up-and-coming African American culinary network, as part of the show
"UNDER THE CORK W/ URBAN WINE COLLECTIVE" from 2020 to 2021.
Bianca’s commiment to people is an extension of her career in HR. She is consitently working to create
environments employees want to to come back to each day. She loves good food, exploring new places,
and relaxing on lazy days.

Billie Harris

Billie Harris is the Founder/Vinologist of The Vino Van, a wine tour company that takes guests on a journey to North Georgia’s Wine Country. Billie also hosts unique and informative WINE101 & Beyond tasting classes and dinners, publicly and privately. She has studied wine for over a decade and holds a WSET2 Certification with Merit. She has acquired several achievements in her career to include the McBride Sister’s SHE CAN 2019 Scholarship, Comcast RISE Grant for Minority Businesses, USA Today’s 10Best 2020 and 2022 Reader’s Choice in travel “Best Wine Tour Company”, Gusto Impact Award Finalist, and Finger Lakes Wine Alliance Riesling Camp participant.
Billie is a member and Vice President of The Sweet Auburn Chapter of The Hue Society, and member of The Sommelier Guild of Atlanta. She is also an avid philanthropist. Billie has been serving her community for 11yrs as an active member, former Arts & Culture Chair (6yrs), former Executive Board Member (6yrs), and Newsletter Editor for The Atlanta Woman’s Club. There, she supports and volunteers with various local 501(c)3 non-profits, many with missions that encourage the advancement of women in our society.

Chef Leslie Gordon

With over 19 years of culinary experience and 8 years of teaching experience, I am passionate about sharing my knowledge and skills with the next generation of chefs and food enthusiasts. My core competencies include collaborative leadership, administrative support, and cross-curriculum collaboration. As a CTAE Culinary Arts Teacher and Instructional Leader at DeKalb County School District, I aim to provide high-quality education and training for my students, preparing them for post-secondary and career opportunities in the culinary field.

In addition to teaching, I also run my own catering and personal chef business, Penelahpe's Culinary Services, LLC. I offer a range of services, from event catering to private dining, to meet the diverse needs and preferences of my clients. I pride myself on delivering top quality foods and services, with a motto of "Let Us Feed You". Some of the skills that I use and teach in both my teaching and catering roles are menu planning, food safety, budgeting, customer service, and creativity. I enjoy creating and serving dishes that reflect my cultural heritage, as well as exploring new cuisines and flavors.

Chris Hughes

Chris Hughes aka “Theecraftbeerconnoisseur”, is a Craft Beer Aficionado, Blogger, and Influencer. Since her introduction to craft beer over 8 years ago, she has transformed her passion for craft beer by becoming a leader and celebrated member of Atlanta’s craft beer scene, all while captivating her online audiences with her fun and vibrant personality.
Her love for reviewing unique and sour-styled beers led her to launch the popular, “Super Sour Summer Series”, amongst a host of other series & challenges focused on education and trending styles of beers, via Social Media. She is co-founder of Craft Women Connect, a craft beer collective supporting women in beer, and you may also remember her face from hosting some of Crafted for Action events, including the 2023 Pitch competition and Brews + Beats.
As she continues her work in the craft beer community, Chris remains passionate about diversifying the industry, and championing women and underserved groups in the space as well.

Corey Hinton

Corey Hinton is a seasoned restaurant professional who’s held various positions in the industry, he’s worked for large restaurant groups and small local chains as a manager, corporate trainer, expeditor, mixologist and maître d’. He has also freelanced as a consultant for small restaurants in planning. Over his 20 years of working in food and beverage, Corey developed a love and passion for beer. In 2015 he started brewing at home and leaning all he can by working at breweries on his off days, and in 2019 Soul Brothers Brewing Company was born. Since then Soul Brothers Brewing Company has collaborated with several local and regional breweries, and hosted beer related events to expand brand awareness. Corey aims to help the industry at large by filling necessary voids with innovative solutions and creating more space for the BIPOC community to thrive in craft beer.Soul Brothers Brewing Company is set to open their first location in Spring 2026 stay connected and follow him and the rest of the SBBC family @soulbrosbeer. CHEERS!!!

Craig Stroud, II

Dannielle Thomas

Dannielle Thomas (she/her), is currently a wine sales and events professional at Dom Beijos wine shop in Atlanta, GA and a WSET L3 candidate. Dannielle, an Atlanta-native with deep southern roots, is an exuberant and patient wine educator and curator of experiences. She is the founder of Get Into Wine, a Charcuterie and wine company that adds flair and good wine to clients' events and gatherings. She is the secretary of the Hue Society's Atlanta chapter and a Roots Fund Scholar.

For over a decade, Dannielle worked in the human rights and humanitarian sector, with a focus on Women’s health and rights, social and political power, and child advocacy. Dannielle loves food, travel, and community-building, her grounding is in her advocacy, love of sci-fi books and film.

David Favela

A San Diego native, David grew up in North San Diego city of Escondido. He earned his BA from Chico State, an MBA from UC San Diego and is a Woodrow Wilson Fellow at Princeton University. He worked 22 years at Hewlett-Packard Inc., in a variety of roles ranging from global supply chain, patent licensing, new business development and eventually, led the HP Global Education Solutions. In 2019, he left the corporate world and took a leadership position at Border X Brewing and Mujeres Brew House, helping drive significant growth despite the effects of the pandemic.

Throughout all these roles, he has always been involved with coaching, inspiring and nurturing new business growth from helping establish the Mexican Silicon Valley in Guadalajara Mexico to motivating grassroots businesses in Barrio Logan to succeed. He has a tremendous passion for helping others succeed, and believes that we are all better off when we provide opportunities to all regardless of their backgrounds.

As the new Director of Talent Foundry from UC San Diego’s Office of Innovation & Commercialization, he looks forward to partnering with all the local entrepreneurs, non-profits, private sector and government leaders in creating a powerful, resilient and innovative business ecosystem.

Dr. J. Jackson-Beckham

J Jackson-Beckham, Ph.D. (or “Dr. J,” as she is affectionately called) founded Craft x EDU in 2019 because she passionately believes two things. First, that the craft beer community is a uniquely wonderful space to which anyone who is compelled to explore should have access. Second, that the craft beer community is uniquely positioned to be a vehicle for the positive transformation of communities and a lever in broader efforts to move the needle toward more inclusive, equitable, and just environments—at work, at play, and beyond.

Prior to founding Craft x EDU, Dr. J was a professor of communication and cultural studies who dedicated her academic career to the study of American beer. Her research about the cultural dynamics of the brewing industry has been published as social commentary, journal articles, and academic book chapters. Dr. J is an accomplished international speaker and trainer, having delivered dozens of keynote addresses and guest lectures. She regularly provides expertise as a guest on radio shows, podcasts, and in news and entertainment media on the culture of craft beer.

In April 2018, Dr J was appointed the first ever Diversity Ambassador for the Brewers Association, the nonprofit professional association for small and independent brewers in the U.S. Today, she serves as the association’s Equity & Inclusion Partner. She also is a founding member of the board of directors for the Michael J. Jackson Foundation for Brewing and Distilling and the National Black Brewers Association.

Ed Williams

Elle Rhodes

Elle Rhodes, a Co-Founder and Director of Brewing Change Collaborative, a nonprofit with the mission to foster diversity, equity, and inclusion for People of Color in the brewing and beverage industry, carries over a decade's experience in the beverage industry. In addition, she is a Director on the board of Infinite Ingredient, a nonprofit with the mission to actively support the mental and physical well-being of individuals working in the craft beverage industry.
Elle, always interested in new adventures, is the 2023 Sergeant of the Royal Guard of the Saint Paul Winter Carnival. And along with the obvious family and friends, she highly values a great Czech Pilsner, a full-bodied Shiraz, a delicious Pechuga, and Al's Breakfast.

Fenwick Broyard, III

Fenwick Broyard is VP of Brand Impact at Creature Comforts Brewing Company.

Isaiah Smith

Isaiah Smith has spent 36 years on this planet and learned many things. Chief among them is the importance of finding your purpose. Isaiah believes his purpose in life is to spread peace, love, and positivity one pint at a time. In service of this goal, he co-founded Our Culture Brewing Company with his beautiful wife Josie, his twin brother Isaac, and his best friend of over 20 years Shakeel. Tapping into his decade-long professional career in the supply chain industry, coupled with his passion for craft beer, Isaiah thought that the position of CEO for Our Culture Brewing would be the best way he could create a scenario where passion and purpose aligned and channel that energy into a better tomorrow. Until Our Culture Brewing’s taproom opens, his talents are dedicated to building a world class supply chain as the Director of Supply Chain for Creature Comforts Brewing in Athens GA.

Janelle Rahyns

I am a skilled researcher and writer with a diverse background in cross-cultural communication and international education. My research on the experiences of Black students studying abroad has given me a unique perspective on the importance of diversity and inclusion in all industries.

My expertise in cross-cultural communication and understanding can help the brewing industry navigate the need for diversity and innovation. I can help breweries develop strategies that promote inclusion and celebrate diverse voices, while also helping them to expand their reach and appeal to new audiences.

In addition to my professional skills, I have a passion for beer and fermentation that spans the globe. I have traveled to six continents and over 47 countries, exploring local breweries, distilleries, and traditional fermentation practices. This international perspective gives me a deep understanding of the cultural and historical significance of brewing, which I can draw upon to help breweries create unique and innovative products that appeal to a diverse range of consumers.

My unique skill set, combined with my passion for beer and fermentation, make me an ideal consultant for breweries looking to innovate and promote diversity and inclusion within their industry. My research and expertise in cross-cultural communication and understanding can help breweries to create products and marketing strategies that appeal to a wide range of consumers and celebrate the diversity of their communities.

Jen Blair

Jen is a Master Cicerone and National BJCP beer judge. She is the Exam Manager for
the Cicerone Certification Program and co-host of False Bottomed Girls, a podcast
about beer and brewing. She is a judge for the Great American Beer Festival, Festival
of Barrel-Aged Beer, and World Beer Cup. Her work in training and empowering people
historically excluded from beer judging and other beer spaces has earned her
recognition as a Good Beer Hunting 2021 Signifier as well as inclusion on the VinePair
50, Wine Enthusiast Future 40, and Imbibe's Top 75 lists.

Jim Hodgson

Jim Hodgson is a writer and director. He has made films about wine and electric racing vehicles, written non-fiction books about mountaineering, and published novels in fantasy and science fiction. He is an Ironman finisher, an ultramarathon finisher, and has summited Aconcagua.

Pitch Competition Judges

Dr. J. Jackson-Beckham

Fenwick Broyard

Fenwick Broyard is VP of Brand Impact at Creature Comforts Brewing Company. He has been a long-time community leader in Athens and has served on the Get Comfortable Advisory Council since its inception.

Molly McDonald

Molly McDonald is the Community Engagement Coordinator for the Roberto C. Goizueta Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation. With a background in marketing and strategy consulting Molly brings experience working with organizations small and large. She believes in the power of collaboration to drive meaningful change. By forging relationships with entrepreneurs, investors, and community leaders she aims to create opportunities and programming that bridge Emory, Goizueta Business School and the greater Atlanta entrepreneurship and innovation ecosystem.

Olivia Sedlack

Olivia Sedlack is the Program Coordinator for The Roberto C. Goizueta Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation at Emory University's Goizueta Business School. With a background in classical music performance and small business ownership and operations, she is passionate about the multiplicity of lived experience and opportunity. In her role, she enjoys supporting the Center’s growth and innovation by utilizing organizational best practices and goal-oriented positivity.
Prior to joining Emory University, she was Director of Operations and co-owner/founder of a family centered dental practice in the City of Decatur and a freelance musician and instructor. She earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in classical music performance from The Cleveland Institute of Music.

Penn Louis & Ross Hunsinger

Penn Louis is a Sales Manager at Abstrax Hops, a company that provides cutting-edge research, products, and services that push the limits of brewing innovation. Its wide range of solutions encapsulates the authentic varietal specific Hop Flavors, Dank Flavors, and next generation of advanced hop products including natural hop extracts. Beyond its products and services, Abstrax guarantees the utmost in safety, quality and regulatory adherence, ensuring seamless integration into product lines.

Ross Hunsinger is the Director of Food and Beverage Innovation at Abstrax. A Siebel Institute alum, former owner of Atlas Sodaworks, and terpene beverage specialist for the last 6 years. Ross has overseen the development, implementation, and scaling of Abstrax’s growth in the brewing industry backed by world-beating technology and good vibes.

Qiana McKoy

Qiana McKoy has been at HNTB Corporation, a transportation infrastructure solutions firm with 77 offices across the US, since 2019. As Infrastructure and Mobility Equity Manager, Qiana works to differentiate HNTB as a leader in inclusive infrastructure with policy makers, state and local transportation agency clients, and employees. Qiana brings extensive experience working with small businesses, having implemented successful mentoring programs, networking events, and training workshops for Georgia Department of Transportation's Major Mobility Investment Program, the largest infrastructure improvement program in the Southeast. Qiana has an M.A. in Communications Management from Webster University and a B.A. in Telecommunications from Morgan State University.

Kimerie Swift

Kimerie Swift, Sales Director, Pabst Brewing Co.