Amanda Gunderson, a 25-year hospitality veteran, co-founded Another Round Another Rally in 2018 with Travis Nass. This nonprofit has provided over $4 million in aid, offering financial assistance, scholarships, mentorship, and career opportunities to thousands of hospitality workers. Amanda’s advocacy has earned her induction into the Dame Hall of Fame and the 2022 Pioneer Award from Tales of the Cocktail, honoring her efforts in promoting equality. Recognized by Vinepair and Imbibe Magazine, Amanda has also contributed to publications like The Community Spirit Cocktail Book. She serves on the advisory council for Focus on Health and Tales of the Cocktail’s Policy Committee.

Changing the way the world drinks with Siponey Spritz Co.

Amanda Victoria, now Amanda Victoria Mintz, is an award-winning entrepreneur, activist and leader in business, multimedia communications, environmental and social impact, product development, distribution, marketing, and revenue strategy. In 2019, Amanda co-founded Siponey Spritz Co., a prestigious B Corp certified super-premium cocktail company she bootstrapped to its first $1M revenue. She is also author to memoir Power in Trauma® (2025), and former political candidate for New York State Assembly.

Amanda is a young adult stage deafened Latina who seeks to champion the underdog in both her work and beyond. She sits on numerous non-profit boards with a focus on supporting those from diverse backgrounds, specifically women of color, as well as environmentalists. Her work has been featured prominently in the media as an environmentally-driven entrepreneur and social activist.

Brandon Thrash is the General Manager of Middle Child Clubhouse in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He has over 18 years of experience spanning several sectors of the beverage industry including Cellar Hand at Maloof Wines in Willamette Valley, Head Bartender at the award-winning Chicago bar Bad Hunter, and Spirits Director for the Philadelphia-based Hawthorne Group.

Thrash advocates for fair pay in the hospitality industry through initiatives that include closing the pay gap between front and back of house, abolishing the tip credit, and raising the minimum wage. He hopes the unique pay structure and employee-first management approach at Middle Child Clubhouse can be used as a guide for future restaurants. He’s enthusiastic about creating a healthy workplace and leading by example for the future of our industry.

Chris Cabrera (he/they) is a trailblazer in the LGBTQ+ hospitality sector and the first and only National LGBTQ+ Ambassador for Bacardi in North America. Committed to fostering inclusivity within the cocktail industry, Chris has built a prominent platform advocating for a culture of acceptance. Recognized for his leadership with multiple accolades, Chris is dedicated to advancing education and improving safety standards in the Spirits and Bar industry.

As an influential member of several non-profit organizations, including Another Round Another Rally and the Tales of the Cocktail Philanthropy and Grants Committee, Chris works tirelessly to create pathways and secure vital resources for BIPOC and Queer communities. His achievements underscore his dedication to excellence, and his efforts are continuously celebrated, propelling his mission to drive positive change and create a more inclusive, supportive industry.

Chris Patino is a drinks industry expert known for his entrepreneurial approach and belief in using unconventional wisdom to build brands and engage the trade. He has created and managed Brand Education and Advocacy programs for leading spirits brands like Absolut Vodka, Jameson Irish Whiskey, and Beefeater Gin. Chris has overseen BarSmarts, hosted international events, and crafted authentic stories to enhance brand advocacy. Named one of Beverage Media’s 2019 “Bartenders to Watch,” he is a three-time finalist for Brand Ambassador of the Year and was recently awarded Mentor of the Year at Tales of the Cocktail.

Jackie Summers is a James Beard Finalist, public speaker, and serial entrepreneur. He is the founder of JackFromBrooklyn Inc. and creator of the award-winning Sorel Liqueur. Recognized as one of Food & Wine’s “Drink Innovators of the Year” and among Wine Enthusiast’s “Future 40,” he’s ranked among the world’s “100 Most Influential Bar Industry Figures” (2019–2023). Jackie has written for publications like James Beard Foundation and Wine Enthusiast. His Sorel Liqueur is the most-awarded American-made liqueur. He’s co-chaired education committees for Tales of the Cocktail and Bar Convent Brooklyn and serves on the Vibe Advisory Council.

Laura Louise Green is a coach & consultant specializing in workplace well-being--particularly prevention and recovery from burnout and workplace toxicity. As the founder of the boutique consultancy, Healthy Pour, Laura works with individuals, teams, organizations, and communities to foster healthy relationships with work, creating regenerative and sustainable environments where people can grow and thrive. Trained both in psychotherapy and organizational psychology, her approach is evidence-based while centering lived experience, resulting in a collaborative and compassionate change relationship with clients. While her work is industry agnostic, Laura’s academic research is centered on improving working conditions within the hospitality sector.

Touré Folkes is a dynamic leader whose journey within the hospitality industry has been marked by a commitment to community, education, and social impact.  This ethos is evident in his work at Turning Tables, where he plays a pivotal role in building community, developing programs and curriculum that empower individuals within the spirits and hospitality industry.  In recognition of his contributions, Touré was honored as a 'Person To Watch' in the 2022 Imbibe 75, 2024 ‘Bar 100’ by Drinks International and SevenFifty Daily’s 2024 Drinks Innovators!, as a testament to his dedication to shaping the drinks world and driving positive change.