The Bourbon Women Foundation is proud to announce the recipients of the 2026 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 2026 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 2026 SIP Scholar Winners:
Alexandra Reinnoldt – Louisville, Kentucky
“I hope that SIPosium will help me to create more avenues for connection and support. I hope that it inspires me to create even better experiences for others and that it helps me to be a better mentor for our future interns at the company.”
Alexcia Pugh – Bardstown, Kentucky
“Her technical proficiency and innovative approach have set her apart, and her pursuit of certification in distillation further reflects her drive to deepen her knowledge and contribute meaningfully to the industry.”
Ashley Grayson – Baltimore, Maryland
“The bourbon community is richer for every perspective it welcomes. I show up to make sure that welcome is real, not just rhetorical.”
Brianna O’Boyle – Lexington, Kentucky
“With her background in sociolinguistics, and upon completing an oral history project for that course, she is poised to investigate a new research avenue – being a SIP Scholar would give her that opportunity.”
Christina Baker – Birmingham, Alabama
“I hope to help expand the narrative of who bourbon is for, creating spaces where learning feels accessible and enjoyment feels communal rather than exclusive.”
De’Qustay Johnson – Atlanta, Georgia
“She blends knowledge-seeking with generosity, professionalism with personality, and hospitality with leadership.”
Diesha Banner – Apex, North Carolina
Diesha Banner – Apex, North Carolina“People often picture a white man when they think of a bartender, but by showing up, I’m proving this industry is full of amazing professionals from all backgrounds. My background allows me to engage others with a mission: to make sure no one else is left “unaware.”
Edna Lopez – Rio Grande, Puerto Rico
“I want to strengthen my skills in leadership, mentorship, and responsible brand engagement to create more opportunities for education and collaboration within my local industry.”
Erin Thomas – Lexington, South Carolina
Erin Thomas – Lexington, South Carolina” I want to build strong industry relationships that allow me to collaborate with people in product development, blending, finishing, and production strategy. I want to contribute to teams that bring new ideas to life, refine existing products, and help shape future releases, while promoting the stories, products, and people behind the whiskey.”
Fallon Dupard – League City, Texas
“My perspective influences how I engage others by centering inclusion without lowering standards. Bourbon can be premium and still accessible. Elevated and still joyful. I am committed to expanding who feels ownership in this industry.”
Jackie Marschall – Dayton, Kentucky
“Jackie is the Copywriter and Content Coordinator at New Riff. Her high standards and creativity has made a tremendous impact as we continue to scale. The position she holds is also a perfect example of the wide range of career opportunities within the industry.”
Katherine Ristola – Lexington, Kentucky
“I foresee that she is the type of person who will make groundbreaking contributions in whatever she sets her heart and mind to do in this very important signature industry. I can’t wait to see where she lands as “master distiller.”
Kelci Koonce – Bronx, New York
“There is so much new energy in the spirits industry because of Bourbon Women, and I would love to connect with other women and keep the momentum going.”
Kerry Moynahan – North Hollywood, California
“Supporting others has always been at the core of my work. Whether I’m mentoring new creators, helping them shape their series ideas, or guiding them through contracts and distribution, I try to create the kind of environment I wish I had when I started—transparent, encouraging, and rooted in respect. “
Keyah Boyd – Baltimore, Maryland
Keyah Boyd – Baltimore, Maryland“It didn’t take long to see Keyah’s passion and love for this industry. She quickly consumed every bit of training material I could provide her with. And beyond her hunger for knowledge, she always had the most cheerful and bubbly attitude that was incredibly contagious.”
Lauren Gilbert – Anthem, Arizona
“Lauren has been a thoughtful and supportive presence in the Arizona bourbon community. Through the Arizona Bourbon Trail, she’s created meaningful opportunities to connect people with local distilleries and has consistently shown up with curiosity, integrity, and a genuine commitment to building community.”
Megan Mullet – Jeffersonville, Indiana
” My priority is creating a “support system” of likeminded women. I believe shared passions create the strongest bonds, and I want to foster friendships that go beyond the surface level.”
Obakeng Malope – Brits, Northwest Province South Africa
“…How I engage with the bourbon and spirits community: with curiosity, respect for tradition, and a commitment to blending innovation with cultural heritage, honoring the voices of those who came before us. Our ancestors brewed these products without science but indigenous knowledge. I bring indigenous knowledge into this industry.”
Shauna Hann – Leavenworth, Kansas
“I genuinely want to find a community that accepts me and provides me an outlet to serve in new and fulfilling ways and make the world a better place.”
Tamara “Tammy” Garnett – Canton TWP, Michigan
“What stands out most is her commitment to continued growth. She has built a strong foundation of knowledge and experience, and just as importantly, she has the curiosity and drive to keep learning.”