Ash Eliot
Career Overview
With a career spanning the realms of music, startups, and the hospitality and beverage industry, I've harnessed a wealth of insights on how to mobilize communities for tangible change. These experiences have honed my understanding of collaboration's pivotal role in advocating for an equitable and sustainable world.
Philosophy on Change
In order to make a positive impact, it takes ongoing introspection, adaptability, and innovation. It's about confronting past missteps while actively seeking avenues for progress. To be a catalyst for change, it requires empathy, transparency, accountability, and continuous learning. Collaboration is how we can transform these principles into action.
Professional Journey
My professional journey has intersected with some of the music industry's heavyweights as well as curating food festivals, orchestrating a global beer collaboration, spearheading corporate days of service, tending bar, and even cultivating organic goodness on farms. With a robust 15-year portfolio spanning corporate, agency, and startup environments, and prior leadership roles at industry titans like Universal Music Group and BMG, I've partnered closely with artists and managers to craft innovative and engaging marketing campaigns. Witnessing the power of creators to mobilize communities for change ignited my passion for this path.
Transition to Beverage Industry
I took a momentous pivot, transitioning from a decade-long devotion to the music scene into the world of craft beer, beverages, bars, and restaurants, all while maintaining my involvement in music-related projects. This transformation allowed me to engage with a diverse clientele in the food and beverage sphere, from local craft breweries to national beverage brands. It also empowered me to advocate for safe and equitable spaces in the hospitality sector, recognizing that bars and breweries, as meeting grounds for people from all walks of life, could serve as catalysts for widespread awareness and positive transformation.
Commitment to Social Responsibility
For me, social responsibility is a daily commitment. My passion for regenerative agriculture, cooking, and nutrition ignited my involvement in nonprofit work focused on food justice and sustainability. One notable undertaking includes spearheading community outreach, events, and corporate partnerships for a nonprofit urban farm providing fresh produce and therapeutic programs for a homeless shelter in South Los Angeles.
Advocacy and Industry Contributions
I founded Women of the Bevolution, a platform and advocacy group dedicated to championing women and non-binary professionals in the beverage industry, with a primary focus on beer. Women of the Bevolution has become a vital resource for individuals seeking support in navigating toxic work environments through initiatives like the Bevolution Brave Voices Relief Fund, created in partnership with Another Round Another Rally. Our platform also serves as a connector and mentor for those looking to find opportunities within the industry or launch their own brands.
Through the Bevolution Creators in Bev Grant Program, we have provided mentorship and over $23K in financial assistance to women and non-binary entrepreneurs. Additionally, I co-founded Brave Noise with Brienne Allan, a global beer collaboration dedicated to advocating for a safe, inclusive, and discrimination-free industry. Over the past few years, I’ve contributed to initiatives and fundraisers that have collectively generated over $1M in support of nonprofits and grassroots organizations.
Vision for the Future
Every day, we possess the ability to spark change and inspire positive outcomes. I look forward to working on more projects focused on collaborating with the community, amplifying underrepresented creators and entrepreneurs, and promoting good in the world.
Other Randomness About Me
I enjoy engaging with random strangers at bars, finding that each conversation brings a unique perspective. I also lead an active lifestyle, constantly on the move through long city walks, exploring gardens, dancing, hiking, trail-running, and playing basketball and most recently started volunteering as a girls basketball coach. I have also been in an adult dodgeball league with the Eagle Rock Yacht Club for over 10 years. In addition, I am passionate about volunteering on farms and cooking, having gained experience by working at a few food pop-ups in Los Angeles.
Another meaningful pursuit for me is assisting seniors organize their homes and garages. I often ensure that any donated items go to local charities, which allows me to combine my love for service with making a positive impact in the community.
And on a random Monday, you’ll most likely find me singing my heart out at karaoke.
Awards & Recognitions
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In 2021, I was recognized as one of Good Beer Hunting’s Signifiers. You can read the piece HERE.
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Brienne Allan and I were recognized for our efforts with the Brave Noise global beer collaboration and initiative by VinePair. Read the piece HERE.
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Regconized by Imbide in 2022 as 75 People to Watch in hospitality.
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Brewbound recognized our efforts with Brave Noise global beer collaboration and initiative in 2021 as Cause of the Year. Read more HERE.