Mentors
Great mentors don’t teach—they share. Whether this is your first mentoring experience or you bring years of industry leadership, your perspective is welcome. STEPUP mentors help trainees explore the spirits industry by offering perspective, answering questions, and providing real-world context.
Your Experience Can Make a Difference with STEPUP
We welcome distillers, operations leaders, finance professionals, marketing specialists, hospitality staff including bartenders, compliance experts, brand ambassadors, and other industry professionals who want to help break barriers for new and underrepresented talent. STEPUP mentors lead virtual “office hour”-style conversations with trainees, sharing lived experience and real-world insight to help learners better navigate challenges. Mentors play an integral role in helping trainees gain confidence within the industry.
Share Insight, Coaching, & Feedback
Broaden Access to Industry Knowledge
Empower Trainees to Build Confidence
HOW IT WORKS
Mentorship Timeline
STEPUP mentors participate in a limited number of virtual, “office hour”-style sessions, leading topic-based discussions and answering trainee questions. Sessions may include multiple trainees assigned to that mentor based on skillset and interest. Conversations focus on sharing real-world insight and encouragement, helping trainees connect curriculum concepts to industry practice. Mentorship helps demystify how the spirits industry actually functions.
MAY 2026
Program Overview
Mentors receive a brief introduction to the STEPUP program, including expectations for trainees and discussion guidelines. Mentors review curated resources to prepare for the experience and are given full access to the STEPUP curriculum and mentor toolkit.
MAY 2026
Topic Selection
The selection of one or more discussion topics aligned with their experience and interests will be made by the Mentor. (Final approval will be at the discretion of the STEPUP Officers.) The calendar of office hours with topics of interest is released.
JUNE to AUGUST 2026
Virtual Office Hours (1-Hour Sessions)
Mentors lead live, trainee conversations, sharing insight and exploring real-world industry perspectives. (We expect to offer 5–6 virtual office hour sessions throughout the course of the program by multiple mentors.)
POST-PROGRAM
Ongoing Connection
Continued engagement may include informal networking or future program touchpoints—such as Graduation and/or the ACSA Convention—with STEPUP alumni. For many mentors and trainees, the relationship doesn’t stop there and can grow into ongoing conversations, career support, and friendships that last well beyond the program.
Apply Today By Clicking Here
Acceptance Notifications Will Be Sent May 2026
Sign up to get details on the 2027 Program Here
Eligibility
We Welcome People From All Backgrounds
Our mentors are compassionate industry professionals who are naturals at providing advice and encouragement to new talent just entering the craft spirits world.
We invite anyone to apply who:
- Has a willingness, enthusiasm, and time to share their experience, passion, and perspective in virtual trainee discussions
- Offers first-hand insight from experience in the hospitality and/or spirits sector
Success Stories
Hear the Voices of Our Past Mentors
Sydney Jones
2025 STEPUP Mentor
Supervisor/Lead Distillery Technician, Heaven Hill Springs Distillery
“When I first began my career in distilled spirits, I remember being so desperate to be given a seat at the table, and I was fortunate enough to have people around me that recognized my passion and fostered it. Working with my STEPUP intern has reminded me of how crucial that type of mentorship was early in my journey, and it was an honor and privilege to be able to pay forward the gifts that I received, of guidance and encouragement and positivity, to the next generation of world-class distillers.”
Sailor Guevara
2022 STEPUP Mentor
Spirits Specialist & Award-Winning Mixologist, Executive Director of Good Deeds Spirits
“Being a mentor for the STEPUP Foundation was one of the most rewarding experiences in my career. I continue to be amazed at the work the STEPUP Foundation accomplishes. I am incredibly proud to be a supporter of STEPUP.”
John D.E. Jeffery
2024 STEPUP Mentor
Co-Founder, Principle, Consultant at Cut Point Distilling
“It isn’t often that volunteering to help with something is rewarding and satisfying in a totally uncomplicated way. Mentoring was one of those times. I was along for the ride with someone who knew exactly what she wanted and where she was going. Being able to open doors to my network for her was just the best. If you’re considering it, you should do it.”
Melinda Maddox
2024 STEPUP Mentor
Former Production Manager, Blender, Beverage Director, Old Elk Distillery
“My time with STEPUP was amazing and made for a great 2024. I hope to continue to be involved!”
Dr. Nicole Shriner
2023 STEPUP Mentor
Fermented Beverage Scientist at Michigan State University, Distiller at Red Cedar Spirits
“Mentoring with STEPUP allowed me to guide someone through real industry challenges, analyze progress, and share practical insights. It was a grounded, rewarding experience, and I’d encourage anyone to join and make an impact.”
FAQS
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need prior mentorship experience or training?
In short, no. STEPUP will provide resources to help you in build relationships and communicate with trainees.
How long is the commitment?
Structured Mentor participation is flexible and runs from May to September. Most mentors take part in one, 1-hour virtual trainee office hour sessions during the 12-week online portion of the program. Participation beyond that is optional and based entirely on interest and availability, although we anticipate many mentors and trainees will remain connected far beyond the program.
How much time should I anticipate setting aside?
It depends. It can be as few as four hours or as many hours as you wish to spend with the curriculum. Time devoted to mentoring the trainees is likely limited to a few hours. We would encourage participation in the Graduation ceremony in September.
When will the mentorship take place?
Onboarding begins in May 2026, with virtual mentorship sessions occurring during the June–August online learning phase. The program concludes with graduation in late September.
Will I be mentoring one trainee?
We’re not sure; it is dependent upon the number of trainees that are accepted into the program.
Will I be paid for my time?
No. This is a volunteer opportunity and allows you to give back to the industry.
Do I need to be a member of an underrepresented community?
No – We encourage everyone to apply!
Do I need to travel to participate?
No. Office hours are virtual-based. However, we encourage mentors to attend trainee graduation in September. Location of graduation to be determined.