22 emerging leaders and industry professionals recognized for
leadership, dedication, and impact in wine and spirits
September 3, 2025 (San Diego, CA) — SommCon is proud to announce the recipients of the 2025 Emerging Leaders and Professional Merit Scholarships, an annual program created to uplift beverage professionals who are shaping the future of the industry. These recipients exemplify the passion, drive, and commitment to community that define SommCon’s mission. The scholarship program is made possible with support from The SOMM Journal and The Tasting Panel Magazine.
Recipients were selected through a review process by SommCon’s Mentorship Committee and reflect a diverse cross-section of the wine and spirits industry – rising talent, dedicated educators, producers, and innovators who are building careers and community with intention.
2025 Emerging Leaders Scholarship recipients include:
- Betty Rhoades, San Francisco Wine School
- Bonnie Grosvenor, Quigley Fine Wines
- David Dixon, Freelance Service
- Dwight Navis, Exploring Career Path
- Fernando Galdamez, Capital Grille
- Julianne Garber, Blue Ridge Spirits & Wine
- Lauren Padula, Bateaux Cellars
- Michelle Wang
- Renee MarzolaMccorkle, Disco Show Speigleworld Las Vegas
- Sarah Denvir, Vino Volo
- Shakia Williams, Cyrenity Sips Winery
- Victor Perez, Palomar College
2025 Professional Merit Scholarship recipients include:
- Al Fischer, Freaky People Grape Adventures
- Deanna Ellis
- Gina Leonardo, Fazeli Cellars
- Mario Ortiz, Self Employed
- Matthew LaRocco, Grocery Outlet
- Michael Klinger, Tonidandel-Brown Restaurant Group
- Michael Kortz, Lana, Solana Beach, Vintana Wine + Dine, Escondido
- Mollie Kelly, 31Thirtyone
- Richard Porter, Goldbar Whiskey Distillery and Tasting Room
- Veronica Mendoza, Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits
“Each year, our scholarship recipients are a powerful illustration of the talent, resilience, and fresh perspective shaping the future of the beverage industry,” said Michelle Metter, Founder and Director of SommCon. “We’re honored to support their growth and welcome them into the SommCon community.”
SommCon Scholars receive more than just access to the conference – they become part of a larger community of mentorship, opportunity, and continued education. The program includes:
- Full conference access to SommCon Conference & Beverage Expo, September 7–9 in San Diego
- Participation in SommCon’s structured mentorship program
- A dedicated mentor offering professional support and guidance
- Organized mentorship gatherings before, during, and after the conference
- A mentorship breakfast to foster community and connection
- Access to exclusive editorial and interview opportunities with The SOMM Journal and The Tasting
Scholarship recipients are selected by a volunteer Mentorship Committee of respected industry professionals through a blind evaluation process. The 2025 committee includes:
Molly Brooks
Meg Carrington-Griffin Simons
Anibal Calcagno
Will Costello, MS
Larissa Dubose
Maurice Dimarino
Brent Kroll
Meridith May
Angela McCrae
Vanessa Rason
Lisa Redwine
Erik Segelbaum
Kathleen Ann Thomas
Justin Trabue
Toshio Ueno, LAMTC
Whitney Pope
Brands who are interested in sponsoring a scholarship can contact metter@fastforwardevents.com.
ABOUT SOMMCON
SommCon® is the premier gathering for professionals in the wine, beer, and spirits industry, offering unparalleled opportunities for education, networking, and career development. SommCon Conference & Beverage Expo offers a comprehensive program of wine and spirits education, professional development, mentorship and networking opportunities, and a vibrant marketplace showcasing domestic and international producers of wine, beer, spirits, and brands in the low and no alcohol category. SommCon produces Concours d’Spirits and Concours d’Vin, impartial competitions of domestic and international wines and spirits, in partnership with The SOMM Journal, and SommGo, an on-demand streaming service featuring educational content for the global wine, beer, and spirits industry. SommCon is produced by Fast Forward, an event management and media company that specializes in consumer and business events in wine, beer, spirits, culinary, and hospitality.
