On She Built It®, Courtney Summers shares the story behind Cookout at the Vineyard, a three-day fundraising event in Northern California's Sonoma County she co-founded alongside Talia Suggs to support and elevate women of color in the hospitality, food, and beverage industries.

What started as a small gathering of under 60 people has grown into a 200-plus-person, three-day event now in its fourth year, 100% grant and donor funded, with all proceeds supporting The Veraison Project.

Courtney talks about how an apprenticeship program gave her access to an industry she once felt was invite-only, what it really takes to build an event from the ground up in the hospitality world, and why scaling with intention (not speed) has been the secret to Cookout at the Vineyard's growth. This conversation is about building something that gives back what was once given to you, and making sure the next generation doesn't have to figure it out alone.

Episode resources:

The Veraison Project Website

Silver Oak Cellars Website

Minnie Bell’s Soul Movement

Mural City Cellars

Tish Wiggins - Tish Around Town

Connect with us:

Courtney Summers LinkedIn

Courtney Summers Instagram

Tahlia Suggs LinkedIn

Tahlia Suggs Instagram

Cookout at the Vineyard Website

Building Access and Community: The Story Behind Cookout at the Vineyard