This seminar is a no judgment zone guiding you through the essential art of connecting with diverse audiences. In this brief yet impactful journey, we navigate the challenges and opportunities presented by today’s evolving social landscape, empowering you to engage not only with your target markets but also with your employees. Unleash the transformative power of empathy, authenticity, and vulnerability, and discover the impact of active listening and bias unlearning. Explore strategies for cultivating inclusivity, the significance of intersectionality, and real-world examples of building unity instead of division. This seminar also equips you with practical insights for leveraging platforms, ensuring lasting connections, and accessing valuable resources through the Brewers Association.

Related Resources

• Human Resources Playlist
• Seven Ways to Use Social Media to Reach New Customers: Part I & Part II
• The New Brewer January/February 2024 THRIVE Issue
• Driving Change: Exploring HR & DEI Committee Involvement

Learning Objectives

• Understand the evolving social landscape, including the perceived polarization in society, and recognize the challenges associated with connecting with diverse audiences and engaging target markets
• Grasp the pivotal role of empathy in building meaningful connections and gain insights from real-life examples of successful bridge-building through empathy
• Recognize the significance of authenticity in communication and the benefits of embracing vulnerability for deeper and more authentic connections
• Acquire essential skills in active listening and become aware of the need to unlearn biases, with practical resources provided for addressing this challenge
• Define diversity, equity, inclusion, justice, and belonging (DEIJB) as “caring for humanity” and appreciate the importance of DEIJB while exploring strategies for creating inclusive spaces and understanding the benefits they offer
• Comprehend the concept of intersectionality and its relevance in understanding the multifaceted experiences of individuals, as well as hear inspiring stories from those who navigate multiple identities
• Be inspired to shift your mindset from division to unity and learn from tangible examples of initiatives and businesses that promote inclusivity and unity, while also gaining practical tips for leveraging social and media platforms to connect with diverse audiences and foster a sense of belonging

About the Speakers

Ashlie Randolph, Founding Member

Lifting Lucy

Las Vegan Ashlie Niquel Randolph (she/her) is a founding member of Lifting Lucy, a non-profit dedicated to supporting Black, Indigenous, and other Women of Color (BIWOC) in beer industry events and educational opportunities. Seeing beer as anthropology in a glass, Ashlie is passionate about exploring craft beers throughout the world and incorporating global culinary legacies in her own brews. Ashlie is the founder of brewery-in-planning Brawta Brewing. She is also vice president of the Pink Boots Society Board of Directors, a Pink Boots Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice (DEIJ) Committee member, proud Brewers Association mentor, and National Black Brewers Association advisory board member.

Tranice Watts, Co-Founder

Lifting Lucy (BIWoC in Beer)

Tranice L. Watts (she/her) is co-founder of Lifting Lucy, an organization dedicated to supporting women of color in professional development and networking opportunities. Tranice is a member of both the Brewers Association’s Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Education Subcommittee and the Craft Brewers Conference Seminar Subcommittee. In 2020, she was appointed as a co-chair for Charles County, Maryland's Economic Development Business Outreach Committee. Additionally, Tranice is a 2022 recipient of the Baltimore Smart Business Dealmakers of the Year Award for Community Engagement.

Tranice is the first Black woman to co-own and operate a craft brewery in the state of Maryland. Her former brewery, Patuxent Brewing Company, was also the first craft brewery within the state of Maryland and Charles County. Tranice's prior history includes a decade as special assistant to Nobel Laureate and scientist Dr. Robert W. Corell.