Ep. 11 - J Nikol Jackson-Beckham Talks Inclusion and Equity in COVID-19

On this episode of the Beer Edge podcast, Andy Crouch speaks with J Nikol Jackson-Beckham. Dr. J, as she is known, is a former college professor, having very recently transitioned to a career as an equity and inclusion strategist. She founded Craft Beer For All, her platform that works to provide consulting services and training to individuals and organizations in the craft brewing industry. She is also the first Diversity Ambassador for the Brewers Association and the executive director of Craft x EDU, a nonprofit whose mission is to champion equity, inclusion, and justice in the craft brewing community through education and professional development. As you’ll hear in the interview, Dr. J was just about to embark on an entirely new career path when COVID-19 intruded. A frequent speaker at conferences and events throughout the country, Dr. J. suddenly found herself sidelined at home, in fact at a new home she and her family had just moved into. She expected to spend 2020 traveling around and speaking about issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Instead, she’s also had to substantially rethink her business model and how to get her message out. She’s a great example of persevering and pivoting in the face of hardship. And I’m hoping that COVID-19 actually offers the craft beer industry a once in a generation opportunity to rethink how it does business and expand the communities that it serves.  For more information on the Beer Edge Podcast, or to check out Beer Edge: The Newsletter for Beer Professionals, follow us on Twitter @thebeeredge and subscribe to our beer industry focused newsletter. There is more information, articles, and engaging content at Beer Edge.Hosts: Andy Crouch and John HollGuests: J Nikol Jackson-BeckhamTags: beer, craft beer, diversity, inclusion, Virginia craft beer, Brewers Association