February 27th – ROHNERT PARK, Calif. – The Wine Business Institute (WBI) at Sonoma State University (SSU) announced the 2023-2024 scholarship recipients of the Wine Industry Scholars Program (WISP) and the Wine Business Institute Inclusive Excellence Scholarship Program February 26. Recipients are recognized for having outstanding commitment to advancing their knowledge and expertise in the wine business.
The Wine Industry Scholars Program (WISP) supports the access, retention, and graduation of students who are first-generation college students and children of families working in the wine industry. WISP awards approximately $150,000 in scholarships annually.
The Wine Business Institute Inclusive Excellence Scholarship Program aims to foster a more diverse and inclusive wine industry by supporting a broad range of scholars, including women, individuals from underrepresented racial and ethnic backgrounds and those requiring financial support for their education.
“This year’s recipients went through a rigorous selection process and have demonstrated exceptional dedication, passion and potential. Their achievements uphold WBI standards and reflect their commitment to furthering the wine industry’s future,” Ray Johnson, Executive Director of the Wine Business Institute said.
The Wine Business Institute scholarship recipients for the 2023-24 academic year are:
Awardees:
- Derek Baljeu
- Winemaker at Knights Bridge Winery
- Graduate Wine MBA scholar
- Awarded: The Association of African American Vintners (AAAV) Scholarship
- Abigail Barnabus
- Undergraduate Wine Business Finance scholar
- Awarded: The Charles Woodson & O’Neill Family Wine Scholarship
- James Bett
- Senior National Account Manager at Treasury Wine Estates
- Graduate Wine MBA scholar
- Awarded: The Donn P. Reisen Scholarship
- Callan Durenberger
- Undergraduate Wine Business Administration scholar
- Awarded: The Liz Thach Wine Industry Scholarship
- Ninoska Gonzalez
- Undergraduate Wine Business Marketing & Management scholar
- Awarded: The Kistler Inclusive Excellence Program
- Roberto Alvarez Mozquedo
- Undergraduate Wine Business Administration scholar
- Awarded: The La Tosh Business Scholarship
- Melissa Paris
- Assistant Winemaker at Alpha Omega Winery
- Graduate Wine MBA scholar
- Awarded: The Patrick Foley Inclusive Excellence Program Scholarship
- Timmi Pavis
- Tasting Room Associate at the Plumjack Group
- Graduate Wine MBA scholar
- Awarded: The Patrick Foley Inclusive Excellence Program Scholarship
- Alyssa Ransom
- Senior Cost Accountant at Jackson Family Wines
- Graduate Wine MBA scholar
- Awarded: The Debbie Lewis Women in Wine Scholarship
- Jilberto Reyes
- Undergraduate Wine Business Accounting scholar
- Awarded: The Patrick Foley Inclusive Excellence Program Scholarship
Scholarships for the 2024-2025 academic year are open now. Interested candidates are encouraged to visit the Wine Business Institute’s website for more information on eligibility criteria and application details.
About the Wine Business Institute
The Wine Business Institute (WBI) serves as an intellectual and industry center for faculty, students, and the business community. Founded in 1996 as a partnership between the wine industry leaders and the School of Business and Economics at Sonoma State University, the WBI provides research that informs industry best practices and program curriculum. For more information about degree and certificate programs or wine business research https://sbe.sonoma.edu/winebiz.
About Sonoma State University School of Business and Economics
The School of Business and Economics is a leading institution of business education in the San Francisco Bay Area, with an emphasis on preparing students to succeed in an economy that is global in nature. Our commitment to sustainable business, diversity, social justice, and global partnerships echoes our core philosophy of purpose-driven leadership. As one of the 50 top-ranked public universities, we have been recognized worldwide for our investments in diversity, social responsibility, and visionary academics. Many classes average fewer than 40 students, allowing close interaction between students and faculty.
