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She Built It® PodcastAuthor: Melanie Barr Language: en-us Genres: Business, Careers, Entrepreneurship Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it Trailer: |
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Building Access and Community: The Story Behind Cookout at the Vineyard
Episode 281
Tuesday, 14 April, 2026
On She Built It®, Courtney Summers shares the story behind Cookout at the Vineyard, a three-day fundraising event in Northern California's Sonoma County she co-founded alongside Talia Suggs to support and elevate women of color in the hospitality, food, and beverage industries. What started as a small gathering of under 60 people has grown into a 200-plus-person, three-day event now in its fourth year, 100% grant and donor funded, with all proceeds supporting The Veraison Project.Courtney talks about how an apprenticeship program gave her access to an industry she once felt was invite-only, what it really takes to build an event from the ground up in the hospitality world, and why scaling with intention (not speed) has been the secret to Cookout at the Vineyard's growth. This conversation is about building something that gives back what was once given to you, and making sure the next generation doesn't have to figure it out alone.Episode resources:The Veraison Project WebsiteSilver Oak Cellars WebsiteMinnie Bell’s Soul MovementMural City CellarsTish Wiggins - Tish Around TownConnect with us:Courtney Summers LinkedInCourtney Summers InstagramTahlia Suggs LinkedInTahlia Suggs InstagramCookout at the Vineyard WebsiteCookout at the Vineyard InstagramCookout at the Vineyard FacebookEvolution of the Cookout Weekend Experience - June 11th-13th, 2026 - Sonoma CountyThe Veraison Project WebsiteThe Veraison Project LinkedInThe Veraison Project InstagramSilver Oak Cellars WebsiteWork with She Built It® Media She Built It® Instagram She Built It® CEO, Melanie Barr InstagramMelanie Barr LinkedInShe Built It® LinkedIn
