SYRACUSE, N.Y. (NCC News) – How does a Geneva-based events company combat discrimination in the craft beer community?
With beer and running of course.
Drink Like a Girl is an event management company specializing in craft beer events, the celebration of women and advocates for inclusion and diversity in the craft beer community.
Founder Kelly Guilfoyle started the company after experiencing discrimination as a sales representative at a Central New York brewery she helped launch four years ago.
“It became kind of my take back,” Guilfoyle said.
To kickstart the movement, the Drink Like a Girl 5k Run/1k Tasting Walk and Craft Beer Festival will take place Saturday afternoon on the northern tip of Seneca Lake.
“We have live music by female artists. We have beer and wine by the glass. Food venders, merch venders, games and a 23-brewery craft beer tasting,” Guilfoyle said.
Drink Like a Girl aims to build support from those inside the craft beer community and those who aren’t; everyone is welcome to attend. The festival will take place in Geneva, fittingly located 11 miles west of Seneca Falls, the birthplace of women’s rights in the United States.
“Even though we are down the street from the most historic place for women’s right and the movement of such, it’s not celebrated, at all really,” Guilfoyle said. “Yes, there are obviously events, and Seneca Falls does a great job, but it doesn’t really go past that.”
Guilfoyle hopes this event will be the first of many in cities around the country.
“Let’s take this girl on the road, spread some fun love and great craft beer.”
To support the celebration of women, a portion of ticket sales from the festival and all direct donations will be donated to the National Women’s Hall of Fame, established in Seneca Falls.
