The chapter also celebrates the 30th anniversary of the organization with a Grand Event in Sonoma
Napa, CA (February 12, 2020) –Women for WineSense Napa-Sonoma, the founding chapter for the national organization, welcomes six new board members and three coordinators to support the board.
Consulting DTC Director and Hospitality Specialist, Amanda Carder, joins the board as the incoming president taking over for Maryam Ahmed, Public Programs Director for The Culinary Institute of America, following her two-year term. Ms. Ahmed will support the board in an advisory role and as the co-director of education for the 30th Anniversary Grand Event being held in May 14-16, 2020 in Sonoma County.
“It has been a pleasure to work with our outgoing and incoming board members to build engaging opportunities for women working in wine and wine lovers, alike. This chapter has always given me an earnest sense of community.” Ms. Ahmed continued, “and what an exciting year to join the board as the organization celebrates its 30th anniversary. I have every confidence that Amanda will shine in her role as board president. She has demonstrated commitment to our chapter’s mission and will create a great environment for collaboration among our new board members and bring great energy to our chapter.”
With more than 15 years in the wine industry, Ms. Carder has worked for several wine brands on the hospitality and DTC side of the business. She previously served on the board of the Napa Valley Hospitality Forum as their Innovations Director and was also a board member of the Wine Country Wine Chicks.
“Newer to Women for WineSense, I am bringing an open mind and collaborative spirit to the organization,” Ms. Carder said, “and I’m thrilled to be working with the board to create and expand new opportunities for the Women for WineSense community.”
Additional new board members include Pina Carino, First Vice President and Senior Financial Advisor with Merrill Lynch as Vice President; Imane Hanine, Brand Ambassador with Hudson Ranch & Vineyards as Programs Co-Director; Tyler Kyle, wine educator, translator, and yoga instructor as Programs Co-Director; Hillary Silva, Training and Communications Manager with vintrace as Roundtables Director; and Anne Girvin, consulting marketing and communications specialist as Marketing Director. New coordinators include Carolyn Hillman as Programs Coordinator, Jenae Patrick as Membership Coordinator, and Sarah Flick as Marketing Coordinator.
The board will announce new programs and upcoming roundtables in the coming months. The next chapter event, “Creating a Schedule for Success” with business coach, Kristin Brabant, is being held on Monday, February 17, 6–8 p.m. at The CIA at Copia in Napa. Visit womenforwinesense.org for tickets.
ABOUT WOMEN FOR WINESENSE NAPA SONOMA
As the Women for WineSense founding chapter, Napa-Sonoma supports women by providing educational experiences, fostering connections, and bringing women together for wine country events. Women for WineSense is a not-for-profit organization 501(c)6 formed in 1990. The founders believe that wine enhances and enriches everyday life. Women for WineSense is the premier wine education and networking organization for wine aficionados and industry professionals, providing women and men with unbiased information about the cultural heritage, social and health effects of moderate wine consumption as part of a healthy lifestyle. The organization is committed to offering outstanding educational programs, mentoring and networking opportunities to wine enthusiasts and industry professionals. The Napa/Sonoma Chapter currently has more than 200 members of which 70% are wine industry professionals. The Napa/Sonoma chapter also offers eight roundtable groups for members to connect with like-minded members, share best practices and enjoy mentoring opportunities. Some roundtable groups have been meeting for over 20 years and are closed to new members while other groups have openings. To learn more about Women for WineSense, visit www.womenforwinesense.org.
