(Photo Credit: Tegan Passalacqua)
March 9, 2026 (Sonoma, CA) — Bâtonnage Forum, the nonprofit dedicated to empowering women in the wine industry through community and mentorship, is marking Women’s History Month with new leadership appointments and the launch of a strategic planning process to guide the organization’s next chapter.
The organization has appointed Elaine Chukan Brown as Executive Director and Tina Boyle as Program Manager. In collaboration with the Bâtonnage Board of Directors, they will lead a comprehensive strategic planning process to reassess its mission, vision, values, and long-term goals. This process will place fundamental emphasis on intersectionality, collaboration with aligned organizations and individuals, and strengthening networks across all sectors of the wine industry. Returning team member Tahlia Suggs will continue supporting the organization as Social Media Manager.
“Bâtonnage has made tremendous impact through building a platform for mentorship and connection, and the industry needs that now more than ever,” said Executive Director Elaine Chukan Brown. “Our focus now is to refine our vision and build programs with purpose.”
To support these goals, Bâtonnage has expanded its Board of Directors with five new appointments in 2026, including members from across the United States and internationally as the organization continues to broaden its reach:
- Kiana Keys, Secretary – Chicago, IL
- Rachel DelRocco Terrazas – Tucson, AZ
- Rebecca Hopkins – Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- Kristina Kelley – Seattle, WA
- Ella Winje – Sausalito, CA
With these new additions, the Board now comprises of 13 individuals with leadership experience across sectors of the wine industry:
- Katie Canfield, Chair
- Michelle Schromm, Treasurer
- Maria Ramos Calvert
- Chasity Cooper
- Michelle Egan
- Jessica Koga
- Jee Won Park
- Alexandria Sarovich
(Photo Credit Jessica Fix)
“Forward-thinking progress has always been at the core of our mission,” said Board Chair Katie Canfield. “We’re taking this moment to reset and recalibrate, to ensure that the organization continues to serve its community effectively and deliver meaningful impact to women in wine, at all stages in their careers.”
Founded in 2018 to stir up conversation around those who identify as women in wine, Bâtonnage now reaches more than 3,000 wine professionals across 25 states and 15 countries. Through its annual Forums, networking events, and Mentorship Program, Bâtonnage fosters equity, connection, and professional development across the industry.
As part of this transition year, the Forum and Mentorship Program will pause in 2026 during the redesign, with plans to relaunch in 2027 following completion of the strategic plan. In the interim, Bâtonnage will host smaller in-person gatherings and online workshops focused on mentorship and professional advancement, core pillars of the organization’s work.
Bâtonnage is actively seeking sponsors and donors to support its 2026 programming and future initiatives. As a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, all donations are tax-deductible and directly fund mentorship opportunities, workshops, and community events.
To explore sponsorship opportunities, please email info@batonnageforum.comor make a donation online at www.batonnageforum.com/donate.
For more information, visit batonnageforum.com or follow @batonnage_forum on Instagram.
About Bâtonnage Forum
Bâtonnage is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that drives meaningful change in the wine industry by empowering women through mentorship, connection, and job opportunities. Founded in 2018 as a grassroots gathering attended by hundreds, Bâtonnage has evolved into a global network of more than 3,000 wine professionals across 25 states and 15 countries. In addition to hosting the annual Bâtonnage Forum and year-round networking events, the organization leads a multi-level Mentorship Program that has cultivated more than 2,500 mentor–mentee relationships across multiple sectors of the wine industry. batonnageforum.com
