McBride Sisters SHE CAN Fund, the philanthropic arm of the renowned wine company dedicated to advancement of women in the wine industry and beyond, announced its initiatives for 2024. 

Rooted in the core values of professional development, mentorship, and academic pipeline enhancement, these initiatives represent a significant step forward in fostering a more equitable and representative wine community. This year’s applications will launch April 15 and remain open until May 31, accessible through the SHE CAN Fund website. Awards will be granted in June.

The following are the 2024 McBride Sisters SHE CAN Fund initiatives:

•    10 x Court of Master Sommelier Scholarships: Empowering 10 aspiring professional women by providing them with the opportunity to pursue certification through the prestigious Court of Master Sommeliers program.

•    2 x Mentorship Placements with Robin McBride or Relevant industry leader: Two mentorship opportunities with co-founder Robin McBride and other industry leaders to guide and support emerging talents as they navigate their careers in the wine industry.

•    2 x Business of Wine Immersion Trip for HBCU Students: Two Business of Wine Immersion Trip giveaway featuring an immersion experience in the wine industry, including insights into the hospitality industry, grape growing, and winemaking, to two deserving students from a Historically Black College or University (HBCU).

“The wine industry has historically been gatekept, reserved for a small subset of the population, and one not accurately reflecting the diverse reality of this country,” said Robin McBride, Chair of McBride Sisters SHE CAN Fund, in a statement. “The SHE CAN Fund initiatives underscore our unwavering commitment to creating pathways for diverse talent to thrive in the wine industry. By investing in professional development, mentorship, and academic opportunities, we are not only breaking down barriers but also enriching the industry with diverse perspectives and voices.”

The SHE CAN Fund has delivered more than $3 million dollars in technical services, distributed $431,000 in cash grants, and awarded 82 women since 2019. The McBride Sisters’ SHE CAN Fund remains committed to its mission of evolving the industry from within and looks forward to the transformative impact of its 2024 initiatives.