The LCBO’s New Initiative is Helping Women with Diverse Backgrounds

New LCBO initiative offers access to scholarships, bursaries, mentorship, and employment opportunities for Canadians who self-identify as women from diverse backgrounds, including BIPOC, members of the 2SLGBTQ+ community, women with disabilities or first-generation.

As part of its Spirit of Sustainability commitment, the LCBO has introduced its Spirit of Inclusion Initiative – a program designed to create opportunities for diverse women to enter, advance and thrive in the beverage alcohol industry by providing access to scholarships and bursaries, facilitating mentorships and identifying paid co-op placement. This initiative demonstrates the need for diversity in the fields of wine-making, brewing and distilling, and highlights the role LCBO is looking to play in fostering a more inclusive future.

RELATED: Torontonians Can’t Get Enough of This Handbag >>>

Spirit of Inclusion Initiative

Resources being offered through the initiative will be made available to students registered in Niagara College’s beverage alcohol programs, and an additional research position will be established at Brock University, dedicated to better understanding the specific barriers BIPOC women, disabled women and members of the 2SLGBTQ+ community face when exploring careers in beverage alcohol. The Spirit of Inclusion Initiative is open to Canadians who self-identify as women from backgrounds currently underrepresented in the beverage alcohol industry, and who require financial support to complete their education. 

“The Spirit of Inclusion Initiative is a holistic, long-term commitment to support diverse women looking to begin or advance their careers in the fields of wine-making, brewing and distilling. Its success relies on the strength of our incredible community and trade partners, and I am excited for the impact we will achieve together.” said George Soleas, President & CEO, LCBO

The Spirit of Inclusion Initiative has received support from Charton Hobbs Moët Hennessy, DIAGEO and Labatt Breweries of Canada, who are committed to our vision to enhance industry diversity. 

As part of the initiative, the LCBO will also work with the Canadian Women’s Foundation and with Vinequity, a group established to ensure equitable treatment and provide resources for BIPOC Canadians working in wine, to support and evolve the initiative. 

The Spirit of Inclusion Initiative is open to Canadians who self-identify as women from backgrounds currently underrepresented in the beverage alcohol industry, and who require financial support to complete their education. To learn more about the Spirit of Inclusion Initiative, and the bursaries, scholarships, and mentorship opportunities on offer, visit www.LCBO.com/SpiritofInclusionInitiative.

How to Get Involved

Prospective Students

Students who self-identify as a woman from a diverse background currently under-represented in the beverage alcohol industry will be eligible to apply for Spirit of Inclusion Initiative scholarships, bursaries, and programming. Examples include but not limited to: Black women, Indigenous women, Women of Colour, women with disabilities, first generation Canadians, 2SLGBTQ+, non-binary gender.

Applicants must be a first year or returning student registered in one of Niagara College’s beverage alcohol programs: Brewing & Operation Management, Winery & Viticulture Technician, Artisan Distilling, and Beverage Business Management. Selected students will also demonstrate an interest in participating in programming throughout the year, including mentorship and events, and be open to sharing their experiences.

You can find the Spirit of Inclusion Initiative scholarship and bursary applications on Niagara College’s Financial Aid site, alongside other financial awards. Information about the Spirit of Inclusion Initiative Mobility Bursaries can be found on Brock University’s Faculty of Graduate Studies website.

Good Partners

Valued partners can join in on the vision to enhance diversity in the beverage alcohol industry in one or more of the following ways:

1. Make a donation. The Spirit of Inclusion Initiative is established at Niagara College and Brock University. We would love to work with you to facilitate a donation, please find our contact information below.

2. Identify mentors. Recommend diverse women who are established professionals within your organizations to mentor Spirit of Inclusion Initiative students who are studying to begin or advance their careers.

3. Identify eligible students. Share the program with diverse women in Ontario who are eligible for Spirit of Inclusion Initiative scholarships, bursaries and programming.

4. Offer paid co-op placements or employment opportunities. Create opportunities within your organizations for participating students to gain work experience and build connections in the industry.

To share information or ask questions about the Spirit of Inclusion Initiative, you can find contact information here.

About the Artist

The LCBO is proud to be working with Toronto-based illustrator, Rachel Joanis. As a female artist, she understands the importance of representation, and the significance of seeing yourself reflected in art and media. The majority of her work focuses around women, and promoting different ethnicities and body types, to help further inclusivity and promote equal representation. Learn more about Rachel Joanis and shop her illustrations

Follow the LCBO on Instagram here