The Spirit of Inclusion Initiative
Through Spirit of Sustainability, the LCBO is committed to championing equitable representation and building communities where all individuals have access to the opportunities they need to thrive. That’s why we launched the Spirit of Inclusion Initiative, a program designed to create opportunities for diverse women to enter, advance and thrive in the beverage alcohol industry.
Together with our impact partners, the program will provide bursaries and scholarships, facilitate mentorship relationships, and identify paid co-op placements for diverse women who are looking to begin or advance their careers in the winery, brewery, and distillery fields
Our Impact Partners
George Brown College
Established in 1967, George Brown College Centre for Hospitality and Culinary Arts has become one of the leading culinary, hospitality and beverage schools in Canada. George Brown College will administer the Spirit of Inclusion Initiative scholarships and bursaries to diverse women registered in one of their beverage alcohol programs. Select students will have opportunities to gain real life experience through co-op programs, receive support and have a safe space to talk about their experiences through the Spirit of Inclusion Initiative mentorship program.
Niagara College
Established in 2000, Niagara College has pioneered technical programs across all beverage alcohol categories, as well as beverage business management courses. Niagara College will administer the Spirit of Inclusion Initiative scholarships and bursaries to diverse women registered in one of their beverage alcohol programs. Select students will have opportunities to gain real life experience through co-op programs, receive support and have a safe space to talk about their experiences through the Spirit of Inclusion Initiative mentorship program.
Brock University
Brock University has established a Spirit of Inclusion Initiative research scholar position focused on gathering data on industry diversity in Canada and better understanding the barriers for diverse women entering or trying to advance their careers in the industry. Mobility bursaries will also be provided to diverse women specializing in wine management who would like to earn a double degree through Brock’s partnership with the Burgundy School of Business in France.
IWEG
Established in 1977, with over 40 years of operation, Independent Wine Education Guild is a not-for-profit organization made up of a community of professionals and enthusiasts connected by their passion for wine, spirits, sake and beer education. IWEG will administer the Spirit of Inclusion Initiative scholarships and bursaries to diverse women in a variety of their WSET beverage alcohol programs. Select students will have opportunities to gain real life experience through internship programs, receive support and have a safe space to talk about their experiences through the Spirit of Inclusion Initiative mentorship program.
Canadian Women’s Foundation
Canadian Women’s Foundation is a national leader in the movement for gender equality with experience steering economic development programs. CWF will work with the LCBO to support the Spirit of Inclusion Initiative.
Vinequity
Vinequity ensures BIPOC Canadians working in the wine industry are given equitable treatment and opportunities to access, grow and thrive as visible leaders. Given our shared goals, the LCBO and Vinequity will partner to increase opportunities for diverse women pursuing a career in the wine industry to access financial and mentorship support.
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
- George Brown College’s beverage alcohol programs: Advanced Wine & Beverage Business Management Program, Beer Specialist Program, CAPS Certified Sommelier Program, WSET Level 3 Program and Wine Specialist Program.
- Niagara College’s beverage alcohol programs: Artisan Distilling, and Beverage Business Management, Brewing & Management, Brewing & Operation Management and Winery & Viticulture Technician program.
- Brock University’s Wine Management program
- IWEG’s beverage alcohol programs: WSET Level 1 Award in Wines, WSET Level 1 Award in Spirits, WSET Level 1 Award in Sake, WSET Level 2 Award in Wines, WSET Level 2 Award in Spirits
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.
For more information on programs with our impact partners, you can find the Spirit of Inclusion Initiative scholarship and bursary applications on
- George Brown’s Centre for Hospitality and Culinary Arts website
and continuing education website
- Niagara College’s Financial Aid site, alongside other financial awards.
- Brock University’s Faculty of Graduate Studies website
- International Wine Education Guild’s website
Good Partners
Our valued partners can join us in our 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.
Cheers to our Good Partners who are lifting up Ontario too
These Good Partners are supporting the Spirit of Inclusion Initiative through financial donations, mentors and employment opportunities.
About the Artist
We are 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
