The Women of the Vine & Spirits (WOTVS) Foundation received the 2026 Community Impact Award at SommCon’s Annual Imprint Awards in San Diego on November 5. The charitable arm of the Women of the Vine & Spirits global membership organization was honored for its work improving women’s access to education and professional development across the beverage and hospitality industries.
The WOTVS Foundation is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit based in New York.
The SommCon Imprint Awards recognize the people, organizations, and ideas shaping the industry’s future.
The Community Impact Award specifically honors non-profits whose service links the drinks trade to the communities it serves.
Since its 2017 launch, the Foundation has awarded scholarships to 451 recipients, passing the $1 million (£764,000) milestone in total scholarships granted.
Its Class of 2026, made up of 44 women working in the beverage alcohol industry, will be named later this month.
The Foundation aims to reduce financial barriers to education and industry credentials, strengthening the pipeline of women leaders across the trade.
“This recognition is a meaningful acknowledgment of the impact that continued education can have on women’s careers,” said Deborah Brenner, president of the Women of the Vine & Spirits Foundation.
Brenner added: “We are proud to support women around the world as they pursue their professional goals, deepen their expertise, and shape the future of our industry. We accept the Community Impact Award on behalf of our incredible network of scholarship recipients, and our esteemed Foundation Board, Committee and Donors who make this work possible.”
Rhonda Motil, vice-president of marketing at J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines and a Foundation Committee member, accepted the award on the organization’s behalf.
“Being a part of the Women of the Vine & Spirits Foundation Committee has been an incredibly meaningful part of my career, and I’m so proud of the work we’ve accomplished to empower the next generation of women leaders across the industry,” Motil said.
She described it as “an honor” to attend the ceremony and accept the award “on behalf of our powerful community of change makers.”
The next scholarship application cycle opens in May 2027.
The Foundation is currently accepting donations for its Class of 2027.
