NEW YORK — Eight food and beverage entrepreneurs were selected to join the Tory Burch Foundation’s year-long fellowship for female founders of early-stage startups. The program offers virtual education workshops, an online community and a business education grant to participants.
Fifty founders were chosen for this year’s fellowship. Food and beverage founders include:
Adriana Livanos of Stray Dog Wild Gin, a premium spirits brand
Diana Rios Jasso of Jarabe Gourmet Pops, a producer of specialty Mexican-style ice pops
Justine Monsul of Monfefo, a maker of cold-pressed wellness shots made from organic ginger and turmeric
Kayla Castañeda of Agua Bonita, a line of aguas frescas flavored with irregular or surplus produce
Lauren Chew of Love + Chew, a brand of gluten-free, better-for-you cookies
Maria Palacio of Progeny Coffee, a mission-driven coffee company working directly with struggling farmers
Monica Sunny of The Chai Box, a creator of chai tea blends inspired by various regions of India
Pauline Idogho of Mocktail Club, premium non-alcohol cocktails featuring global flavor profiles
To qualify for the fellowship, businesses must be early-stage with one to five years of operations preferred, generating revenues of at least $75,000, formed and operating in the United States and majority owned and controlled by women. Applicants must be a woman-identifying entrepreneur who owns the largest or equal stake in the business, is 21 years or older, proficient in English and a legal resident of the United States.
Tory Burch is the executive chairman and chief creative officer of a self-named American lifestyle brand. The Tory Burch Foundation launched in 2009 to empower women entrepreneurs by providing access to capital, education and networking events.