Uncle Nearest’s Raise the Bar Mentorship Alliance Announces Its First-Ever Mentee Cohort

Raise the Bar Mentorship Alliance, an initiative created to honor the legacy of Nearest Green, the first known African American master distiller, was designed to offer mentorship, guidance, and support to individuals across all demographics, with a focused commitment to fostering a truly diverse cohort of mentees and championing representation in the spirits industry. With the announcement of the mentees, the program is ready to enter its mentorship phase, pairing these talented individuals with industry-leading mentors to help them shape their professional goals, develop long-term projects to positively impact the bar community, and foster a more inclusive future for the industry.

“Raise the Bar Mentorship Alliance is about more than just guiding our mentees—it’s about empowering bartenders - both mentees and mentors -  to be the change-makers and innovators who will shape the future of the bar industry,” said Lucia Creed. “We are deeply committed to providing these individuals with the support they need to make a lasting impact, not just within the industry at-large, but also within their communities.”

The majority of mentees were intentionally selected from areas outside traditional 'major market' cities, where access to guidance from influential figures is less readily available. This approach aims to connect a diverse network of industry leaders with individuals in these regions, fostering growth and opportunity in emerging or underserved markets. The inaugural cohort of mentees and their mentors include:

• Andre Sykes (Detroit, Michigan) paired with Kate Gerwin (Netflix's “Drink Masters,” Owner/Bartender Happy Accidents, 2022 Best New American Cocktail Bar at Tales of the Cocktail)
• Brandon Archilla (The Fox Bar & Cocktail Club, Nashville, TN) paired with Jon Santer (Co-founder of Prizefighter Bar, former President of the San Francisco Chapter of the United States Bartender's Guild, former Co-National Ambassador for Hendrick’s Gin, creator of “The Revolver” cocktail)
• Michael “Daddy Long Legs” George (REMORA, Salt Lake City, UT) paired with Chris Cabrera (2021 visionary Award winner at Tales of the Cocktail, first LGBTQ+ Ambassador for Bacardi, founder Chris Cabrera Culture)
• De’Qustay Johnson (Mobile Bar ATL, Atlanta, GA) paired with Eddie Simeón (Founding partner and CMO of Hella Cocktail Co.)
• Diesha Banner (A Glass Above, Apex, North Carolina) paired with Tiffanie Barriere (2023 Visionary Award Winner at Tales of the Cocktail, former Beverage Director at One Flew South)
• Eli Brown (The Grotto, Missoula, Montana) paired with Miguel Lancha (First Cognac Educator in Spain certified by the BNIC, former Director of José Andrés Group’s global cocktail programs) 
• Hansel Morales (KoKo Ni, Denver, CO) paired with Kate Boushel (Partner and Beverage & Education Director for the Barroco Group in Montréal, honoree on Drink International’s 2023 list of 100 Most Influential Bar World Figures, “North America’s Favorite Bartender”) 
• Kai Lucas (The Corner Store, New York, NY) paired with Tracie Franklin (whiskey educator, public speaker, consultant, and distiller; 2022 Imbibe 75 Person to Watch, Former Glenfiddich National Ambassador, VP of Supply and Innovation for Pronghorn)
• Monique Vaughan (Azotea Cantina, Modish Lounge, The M3 Experience, Decatur, GA) paired with Ivy Mix (Author, Co-owner of Whoopsie Daisy, Leyenda & Fiasco! in Brooklyn, Co-founder of Speed Rack)
• Rhianna Fairchild (Williams & Graham, Denver, CO) paired with Anu Apte (CEO of Canoe Ventures, Co-owner of James Beard nominated Rob Roy, Navy Strength, and Vinnie’s Wine Shop in Seattle)
• Shelby Burgess (Odd Birds, Gainesville FL) paired with Erick Castro (Co-founder of Polite Provisions and Raised by Wolves in San Diego, owner of Gilly’s House of Cocktails, VinePair’s 2024 Drinks Professional of the Year, Host and founder of the Bartender at Large podcast, the 2024 Best Broadcast, Podcast, or Online Video Series at Tales of the Cocktail)
• Sho Jackson (Pluck Wine Bar, New Orleans, LA) paired with Karl Franz Williams (Founder of 67 Orange Street in NYC, an Esquire 27 Best Bar in America 2021,  and The Anchor Bar & restaurant)

Mentoring sessions will officially begin on January 7, 2025, and conclude in late June.  Each mentee will define a project that aligns with their personal goals and vision for industry change, with their mentors offering guidance to create a roadmap for achieving these ambitions. The goal is not to complete the projects within the six months, but to provide mentees with the tools and resources they need to make meaningful progress. The program will culminate in a grant proposal presentation to Uncle Nearest leadership, with the opportunity for two mentees to receive $10,000 grants to fund ongoing work towards their projects’ completion.

This year’s cohort is passionate about creating meaningful change in the spirits industry. Their diverse projects range from improving bartender education access to supporting the inclusion of formerly incarcerated individuals within the industry. While the details of specific projects remain confidential, the diversity of thought, background, and passion within the cohort powerfully reflects the Raise the Bar program’s commitment to a more inclusive and representative industry.

“The range of ideas coming from our mentees is truly inspiring,” added Sarah de Sousa. “We’re excited to support these bold initiatives and watch them evolve over the next six months.”

The program will also feature workshops on essential topics such as grant writing, financial planning, and mental health, to equip mentees with the skills they need to thrive. In the spring, an in-person retreat at Nearest Green Distillery will provide an opportunity for mentors and mentees to deepen their connections, visit the historic Dan Call Farm, and reignite their passion for the work they are doing.

For more information on Raise the Bar, visit raisethebar.org and follow on Instagram @raisethebar_mentorship.

About Raise the Bar Mentorship Alliance

Raise the Bar, presented by Uncle Nearest, Inc., is a dynamic program designed to support the professional growth of emerging talent in the beverage industry. By pairing up-and-coming leaders with celebrated industry veterans, the program provides personalized mentorship, strategic goal-setting, and hands-on guidance like never before.

Rooted in the legacy of famed mentor Nearest Green, Uncle Nearest's namesake, the program is inspired by the tradition of mentorship that has long been a cornerstone of the spirits industry. Raise the Bar seeks to bridge the gap between seasoned veterans and emerging talent, creating a community alliance that fosters continuous learning and growth. Through shared expertise, meaningful connections, and the empowerment of the next generation, the program is dedicated to preserving the values of hands-on education while evolving the culture of mentorship in hospitality to ensure a diverse, inclusive, and thriving future.