The Bourbon Women Foundation is proud to announce the recipients of the 2025 SIP Scholarships. These remarkable women were selected from the strongest and most diverse applicant pool to date, representing the future of bourbon and whiskey through their passion, drive, and dedication.

The SIP Scholarship is designed to provide meaningful support for women looking to grow within the spirits industry. Each scholarship includes a full SIPosium conference ticket, lodging, and access to a structured mentoring and professional networking program. Through this initiative, we aim to ensure that each scholar not only attends the only consumer-industry whiskey conference of its kind but also leaves with lasting relationships and tangible professional opportunities.

If supporting and uplifting women in the bourbon and whiskey world is important to you, we encourage you to consider contributing to the SIP Scholarship program. Your support helps open doors, foster community, and fuel progress across the spirits landscape. Donate here!

We are thrilled to welcome these scholarship recipients to SIPosium 2025 and look forward to the connections, collaborations, and conversations that will unfold. If you’ll be attending, we invite you to connect with them, share your insights, and be a part of their journey.

Join us at SIPosium and meet this incredible group of women, purchase your ticket here!

Let’s give a big round of applause to this year’s 2025 SIP Scholar Winners:

Allie Craig, St. Augustine Distillery Part Time, Freelance Flight Instructor

“She is a passionate, driven, and knowledgeable individual who will undoubtedly contribute to the organization’s mission.”

Amanda Bustamante, Humana, Graduate Intern

(https://www.linkedin.com/in/amandabustamante/)

Andrea Fujarczuk, Niagara College Canada, Professor of Artisan Distilling

(https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrea-fujarczuk-389ba949/)

Ashley DeGrand, J Henry & Son’s Bourbon / Ahan Madison, Market Manager at J Henry / Barback at Ahan

(https://www.instagram.com/ashdegrand/)

Ashley Short, New Riff Distilling, Barreling/ Distilling Member

(https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashley-short-6025b7355/)

Briana Hodge, Kentucky State University, Program Coordinator of Fermentation and Distillation Sciences

(https://www.instagram.com/bridoesbourbon/)

Christy Pruitt-Haynes, The Sip and Smoke Experience, Founder / CEO

“What truly sets Christy apart is her ability to connect—whether she’s sharing insights on how to
cultivate innovation within your team, guiding participants through the art of savoring fine spirits,
or facilitating tough but necessary conversations around inclusion and belonging.” 

Crystal Rios, Century Grand/Undertow, Bar Manager

“Throughout my me working alongside Crystal, I have seen her breathe life into our space. She brings an unmistakable energy, a work ethic that raises the bar for those around her, and an unwavering commitment to the craft.”

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Deanna Haynes, Pediatric Dentist, Pinkys Up Wine and Cocktail Tours, Owner

“Deanna is passionate about the wine and spirits industry, and she has turned her passion into action by fully immersing herself in the study of this industry and by sharing her knowledge with hosts of women from different walks of life, creating a community of women who have an evolving education about wine and spirits.”

Deb Graham, Shelby County Board of Developmental Disabilities, School Nurse

(https://www.facebook.com/deb.m.graham)

Donna Bowman, The Bourbon Goddess, LLC, CEO & Founder

(https://www.instagram.com/thebourbongoddess/)

Felicia Prater, Reach Logistics, Project Manager

(https://www.instagram.com/50shades_offee/)

Heather Storgaard, Freelance writer

(https://www.instagram.com/storgaard.heather/)

Heatherlyn Stickel, Tartan House, Bartender

(https://www.instagram.com/pourheatherlyn/)

Jordan Jensen, Team Enterprises, Angel’s Envy Bourbon Retail Specialist

“Jordan is a bright, shining light who always brings her “A” game and positive attitude wherever she goes. She joined the Retail Specialist team, sampling folks on Angel’s Envy across KY, and has elevated this position in so many unique ways.”

Kenda Jones, NOLA WINEAUXS LLC, Sommelier/Wine Influencer

(https://www.instagram.com/nola_winenchill/)

Leslie McBride, U.S. Army, Regional Marketing Operations Manager

“Leslie is a dedicated and passionate individual with a genuine enthusiasm for the world of whiskey. This conference would provide her with an invaluable opportunity to deepen her knowledge, connect with fellow enthusiasts, and further cultivate her passion.”

Raekiela Taylor, Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, Public Health Scientist

(https://www.linkedin.com/in/raekiela/)

Rhonda Shires, Bourbon Trails & Bluegrass Tales, Owner and Tour Operator

“I began to reflect on what brought me the most joy: connection, storytelling, and sharing the spirit of Kentucky with others. It didn’t take long to realize that all those things – community, culture, craftsmanship, and yes, a good pour of bourbon – could live beautifully under one new venture: Bourbon Trails & Bluegrass Tales.“

SC Baker, Epiphany, Bar Lead

“What truly sets Baker apart, however, is her dedication to fostering community. Whether mentoring through Camp Runamok, representing her peers at USBG, or sharing her knowledge with fellow bartenders, she consistently uplifts others and inspires those around her. She embodies the very essence of what the Bourbon Women SIPosium stands for: education, camaraderie, and the advancement of women in the spirits industry.”