Committed to Advancing Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
The Yountville Chamber of Commerce condemns discrimination and injustice in all its forms. There is an opportunity to make our community and businesses even stronger by listening to each other and striving to better serve one another. We recall President Lincoln’s timeless words that all are created equal in this nation that was conceived in liberty. These aspirations are realized through our character and our actions, as individuals and as a community.
As the voice of the business community, a convener, and information hub for our members; the Yountville Chamber recognizes we must be a leader and intentional about seeking the input and engagement of diverse groups. We must create a welcoming environment for all people regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, age or ability.
We are proud of our members for implementing their own Diversity, Equity & Inclusion programs. We are grateful to be a chamber of commerce whose members are courageous and are doing the work. As part of our Diversity, Equity & Inclusion initiative, educational programs will be developed for our members to encourage this work. To help our community listen and learn how we can be better to one another.
The Yountville Chamber believes in cultivating a trusting environment where people feel safe and empowered to share their ideas. We look forward to working with you, our members, to foster an inclusive community and economy that welcomes all people regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, age or ability.
To support this initiative, the Yountville Chamber is committing to three strategies:
- Providing free seminars and education opportunities for our members to learn how to implement a successful Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion program within their own businesses.
- Supporting the Black wine community by connecting organizations and programs that provide opportunities to those seeking a career in the wine industry.
- Providing additional tools and resources about Diversity, Equity and Inclusion to our membership and the public on our website.
Webinars
Each year, as part of our annual webinar programs, we include webinar(s) dedicated to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. These webinars will approach uncomfortable topics and how to respond naturally. Each of the speakers are experts in their field and create a welcoming space for open conversations. Please click below to view past webinars.
The Roots Fund
The Roots Fund was created to empower underrepresented people in the wine industry by providing resources and financial support through educational scholarships, wine education, mentorship and job placement. Roots Fund is committed to investing in the Black wine community by providing opportunities to those seeking a career in all aspects of wine.
Founded in 2020 by Carlton McCoy, Master Sommelier, Tahiirah Habibi, Founder of Hue Society, and Ikimi Dubose, Hospitality Director. This fund was created to address the lack of diversity in the wine community. Partnering with oenology programs; incoportating traditional, and non-traditional pathways in the wine world.
DEI Resources
Be sure to read this blog post to learn more!
- Books
- Podcasts
- Social Media Influencers
- Ways to Support
- Ways to Take Action
- Create a culture that supports diversity and inclusivity through open communication
- Navigating changes in corporate culture and increasing diversity
- Diminishing Bias and increasing inclusivity increases productivity and retention
WATCH RECORDING
- Learn the impact of diversity on tourism
- Cost effective ways to be inclusive
- Inviting new markets to your business
WATCH RECORDING
- How to create more inclusive and diverse social media
- Creating partnerships that diversify your marketing efforts
- Paid and Earned opportunities for Diverse Marketing
WATCH RECORDING
- Learn about the types of biases and common microaggressions against people of color
- Discuss how to overcome these biases and create a welcoming environment in the workplace and guest experience
- Discover ways to support the Black, Immigrant, and People of Color community within the wine industry
WATCH RECORDING
ABOUT THE SPEAKERS
Comedienne, Marketing Guru, and Mother
With over 10 years as an improviser and corporate facilitator, she practices the basic tenets of improv throughout her professional career with building cohesive teams, innovative ideation and precision execution. She has developed diversity and inclusion training for companies in multiple verticals with a focus on unconscious bias. Tauri is currently a mentor for SKU Brand Accelerator and contractor building several small brands, formerly the Vice President of Marketing for American English Haircare and has worked to build and market brands for Unilever and Southwest Media Group.
Master Sommelier, CEO, Heitz Cellars
Named a Master Sommelier in 2013 at just 28 years old, Carlton was one of the youngest people and the second African American to earn this prestigious title. In 2018, Carlton became President and CEO of Heitz Cellar in Napa Valley. In addition to his restructuring and implementing his vision for Heitz Cellars, he has partnered with Tahiirah Habibi with The Hue Society to create The Roots Fund, a fund to empower underrepresented minorities in the wine industry by providing resources and financial support through educational scholarships, wine education, mentorship and job placement. Roots Fund is committed to investing into the Black wine community to provide opportunities to those seeking a career in all aspects of wine.
Founder of The Hue Society & Sommelier
Tahiirah Habibi always had a passion for uplifting the community. In 2017, she launched Hue Society as a safe space for the community to learn, commune and find resources in one place. Tahiirah has been featured in Ocean Drive as one of the top 5 female sommeliers, VinePair,, Upscale Magazine, David Banner Podcast and Imbibe Magazine to name a few. Her work is rooted in enhancing and empowering the community for both consumers and business owners. Tahiirah has a passion to make an indelible impact in the wine industry through our experiences, assimilation not required.
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