Tue Oct 01 05:00:21 UTC 2024: ## The Roots Fund: Empowering People of Color in the Wine and Spirits Industry

**New York, NY** – The Roots Fund, a non-profit organization founded in 2020, is dedicated to empowering people of color in the wine and spirits industry through education, career placement, and mentorship. The organization was established by Carlton McCoy, Ikimi Dubose-Woodson, and Tahiirah Habibi, who recognized the unique challenges faced by aspiring wine professionals from underrepresented communities.

The Roots Fund has already made significant strides in its mission, having supported over 220 scholars with funding and comprehensive support services. The organization’s approach extends beyond financial assistance, offering mentorship, networking opportunities, and even mental health care to ensure its scholars’ success.

“We believe inclusivity is a business problem,” says Ikimi Dubose-Woodson, co-founder of The Roots Fund. “If the wine and spirits community doesn’t reflect the diversity of the world we live in, it’s bad for the industry. We want to make it possible for everyone to be a part of this.”

The Roots Fund’s impact extends beyond the United States, with a strong partnership with the Burgundy School of Wine & Spirits Business in Dijon, France. This partnership includes a scholarship program for students from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) in the United States.

“We’ve gotten a lot of support from very established members of the wine industry,” shares Dubose-Woodson. “Jeremy Seysses from Domaine Dujac in Burgundy has been a tremendous ally and supporter since the beginning. He truly believes in our mission and actively participates in our work.”

The Roots Fund is hosting its annual auction on October 28th, 2024, at the Crown Club at New York City’s Barclays Centre. The event is an opportunity to support this vital organization and its mission to create a more inclusive and diverse wine and spirits industry for all.

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