Women’s History Month at Bâtonnage: Leadership Updates & More
Dear Bâtonnage community,
It’s Women’s History Month! We have some exciting updates about the next chapter of Bâtonnage:
(drum roll, please…)
We are THRILLED to officially welcome Elaine Chukan Brown as Executive Director and Tina Boyle as Program Manager, who together with the Bâtonnage Board of Directors will lead the organization into its next phase. Rounding out our stellar staff roster is Tahlia Suggs, who continues to support as our Social Media Manager.
We are also excited to welcome five new members to the Bâtonnage Board of Directors, representing regions across the USA and internationally 🇦🇺:
Kiana Keys, Secretary – Chicago, IL
Rachel DelRocco Terrazas – Tucson, AZ
Rebecca Hopkins – Adelaide, South Australia
Kristina Kelley – Seattle, WA
Ella Winje – Sausalito, CA
They join our continuing board members:
Katie Canfield (Chair), Michelle Schromm (Treasurer), Maria Ramos Calvert, Chasity Cooper, Michelle Egan, Jessica Koga, Jee Won Park, and Alexandria Sarovich.
Together, we’ve begun a comprehensive strategic planning process to reassess Bâtonnage’s mission, values, and long-term goals, with particular focus on intersectionality, collaboration, and strengthening our networks across all sectors of the wine industry.
As part of this transition year, the Forum and Mentorship Program will pause in 2026 while we undertake this strategic work, with plans to relaunch both programs in 2027. In the meantime, we will host smaller in-person gatherings and online workshops focused on mentorship and professional advancement.
This is an exciting time to help shape the future of our community. If you or someone you know is interested in sponsorship opportunities or donating to support Bâtonnage’s next phase, more details below. Stay up to date with new developments by following us on Instagram at @batonnage_forum and get in touch via info@batonnageforum.com.
These are challenging times, but we’re grateful to have such a remarkable community to lean on, and the opportunity to build something even stronger together. Thank you for being part of it.
In gratitude,
The Bâtonnage Team
Read the Press Release
March 2026: Bâtonnage Announces New Leadership and Strategic Planning Initiative During Women’s History Month
It’s Women’s History Month!
HERE’S HOW YOU CAN SUPPORT BÂTONNAGE …
STEP 1: BUY THE MAKER WOW PACK!
This Women's History Month, our friends over at Maker Wine are donating 15% of proceeds from their Week of Women-Owned Wine (WOW) pack to Bâtonnage all month long—six wines from four independent winemakers, including wine by Terah Bajjalieh, who has been an integral part of the Bâtonnage Mentorship Program since the start. One for every night of the week, rest day included.
Buy the Women-Owned Wine Pack.
STEP 2: MAKE A DONATION
If you know of a like-minded organization or company that might be interested in supporting our programming through a larger personal donation, or through a corporate sponsorship, please reach out to Executive Director Elaine Chukan Brown at info@batonnageforum.com for more information. Bâtonnage Forum is a non-profit 501(c)(3) and all donations are tax-deductible.
From Our Community …
FIELD BLENDS IS BACK!
Trip Award and Media Trip Award applications are now open for the Field Blends: The Collab Year, an all-expenses-paid educational opportunity designed to expand access to wine region experiences for individuals from underrepresented communities in the wine industry.
For the first time, three regions—Finger Lakes (NY), Lodi (CA), and Walla Walla (WA)—are collaborating to host the program. Six awardees (two per region) will be selected to participate in immersive regional visits guided by Community Partners Maiah Johnson Dunn, Gerardo Espinosa, and Fiona Mak, along with Maryam + Company and partner organizations.
Applications are open through March 31.