A truly great taproom offers more than just drinks; it provides an environment where everyone feels comfortable, respected, and secure. This isn’t just about preventing negative incidents, but actively cultivating an inclusive and positive experience for all patrons and staff. Creating safe and welcoming spaces in bars is paramount for fostering a positive atmosphere, ensuring customer retention, and upholding a venue’s reputation. It’s a holistic endeavor that involves proactive measures, clear policies, and consistent enforcement. In this talk, you’ll hear from Pink Boots Society members from across the Commonwealth and gain actionable strategies on how you can strengthen your team, set clear expectations, and create a space where everyone thrives.
Jenna Weinstein has spent 15 years in the service industry, with the last four dedicated to the brewing world. She began her brewing career by helping at beer festivals and quickly fell in love with the craft beer community. From there, she started pouring beers, moved into management as a taproom manager, and then became a district manager overseeing four brewery locations. Today, she serves as Taproom Manager for both Alewerks Taprooms in Williamsburg, VA. Jenna is passionate about creating welcoming spaces, building community, and beer.
Eight years deep in the craft beer world and still pouring with passion, Kate Scholl has worked her way from beertender to FOH manager to her current role as Shift Lead at Coastal Fermentory in Newport News and Rip Rap Brewing in Norfolk, VA. She loves connecting people with great beer and even better vibes. A proud lifetime member of the Pink Boots Society – Hampton Roads chapter, Kate is dedicated to lifting up women in brewing. Go Sox!
Lindsay Adkins is the Head Brewer at Dragon Run Brewing in Shacklefords, VA, which she co-founded with her brother Tommy after 10 years of home brewing. A chemist and forensic toxicologist with 20 years of experience, she now shares her passion as a chemistry and forensic science teacher. Off the clock, she enjoys time with her beloved dog, Tessa.
Michele Hanson has been part of the craft beer scene for over a decade. She currently serves as the Taproom and Events Manager at Tradition Brewing in Newport News, where she’s been for nearly five years. With more than 20 years of experience in event planning—including catering, weddings, and now craft beer—Michele has developed a deep understanding of how to adapt to the unique needs of each customer and venue. During her time at Tradition, she has successfully tripled the brewery’s event revenue through thoughtful planning, creativity, and a focus on delivering great guest experiences.
Michelle Venzke is a people-first professional with a passion for pints. Her career reflects a consistent dedication to working with and empowering others, whether supporting vulnerable populations, serving the military, or engaging with beer enthusiasts. She has been immersed in the craft beer world since 2016, taking on roles as Brand Ambassador, Sales Representative, and Beertender.
Michelle has visited breweries in all 50 states and 22 countries. Her beloved dogs, Jasper Park and Dunkel Bock, are named in homage to her passions for travel and beer. She currently serves as the chapter leader for the Hampton Roads chapter of the Pink Boots Society.
Tasha Dixon has worked in the craft beer industry for over 11 years, taking on roles ranging from bartending and taproom and operations management to events. The focus has always been on the community beer creates and the connections it fosters. As co-leader of the Richmond chapter of the Pink Boots Society, Tasha helps support and celebrate women and non-binary professionals in the industry. Beer, for Tasha, is as much about people and stories as it is about what’s in the glass.
Originally from Western New York, Tina Luers now lives in Yorktown, VA. Living just two miles from the St. George Brewing Company (STG), Tina and her husband, Scott found themselves frequent visitors. Interested in becoming owners of a brewery themselves, they have become investors in STG and remain involved in many aspects of the business. Their latest brewery adjacent adventure involved buying and running a food truck which provides delicious and economical food options to the patrons of STG. Married for almost 25 years, Tina and Scott have two adult children, Aiden and Keira, two dogs, Juniper and Locust, and two cats, May and April. In her spare time Tina is the Command Archivist for Air Combat Command, Dept. of the Air Force. She also enjoys being with her closest family and friends, running, travelling, and remains ever hopeful that the Bills will finally win a Super Bowl.
