BROOKLYN, N.Y. – July 8, 2025 – The Michael James Jackson Foundation for Brewing & Distilling (The MJF) is pleased to announce the newest recipients of its technical education scholarships. With this latest cohort, The MJF has now awarded scholarships to 64 individuals since its founding in 2020, each one a step toward a more inclusive and representative brewing and distilling industry.
The MJF’s biannual scholarships are awarded to people of color who are actively working in the brewing or distilling trades. These scholarships provide access to world-class technical education, equipping recipients with the skills and knowledge needed to grow into leadership roles and drive innovation across the beverage alcohol industry.
“As our recipient community continues to grow, so does the impact of this work,” said Garrett Oliver, founder of The MJF. “We’re seeing alumni step into bigger roles, launch their own businesses, and reshape the future of brewing and distilling. It’s incredibly exciting, and it’s only possible because of the support from our partners and donors who believe in this mission.”
The 9th cohort of scholarship recipients includes:
- Joshua Avina, Breakwater Brewing / Sword Brewing, enrolled in the MBAA Brewery Maintenance Course
- Sarah Glenn, KCBC, pursuing the Brewing Arts Certificate at The University of South Florida
- Jamaar Julal, Honeysuckle, enrolled in the Advanced Sake Brewer Certification Course from the Sake Brewers Association of North America and Niigata University
- Erin Lee, FEW Spirits, pursuing the CIBD Diploma in Distilling
- Julien Parra, Mad River Brewing Company, enrolled in the WBA Fundamentals of Brewing Technology Course at the Siebel Institute
- Amanda Sandoval, SilverGulch Brewing & Bottling, enrolled in the WBC Concise Course in Brewing Technology at the Siebel Institute
- Alina Torrens, Three Weavers Brewing Company, enrolled in the MBAA Brewing and Malting Science Course
These awardees represent the breadth of talent, passion, and commitment that defines the next generation of brewers and distillers. The courses they’re pursuing are among the most respected in the world and will give them the tools to shape not just their own careers, but the industry as a whole.
About The Michael James Jackson Foundation for Brewing & Distilling
The Michael James Jackson Foundation for Brewing & Distilling (The MJF) is a grant-making nonprofit that funds technical education scholarships for people of color within the brewing and distilling trades. Founded in 2020 and named in honor of legendary beer and spirits writer Michael Jackson, The MJF aims to create lasting change by investing in technical education and professional development for those historically underrepresented in these industries. To learn more, visit www.themjf.org.
