As Education Consultant for Another Round Another Rally, Misty Kalkofen draws from a broad background in bartending and branding to help develop and implement programs that enhance equity, diversity and educational opportunities industrywide.
From creating certification programs that enhance hospitality workers’ skills and marketability to establishing initiatives that help workers who speak Spanish and other languages overcome industry-related language barriers, Misty plays a key part of helping Another Round train, shape and advocate for today’s hospitality workers – and tomorrow’s.
Misty first stepped behind the bar while studying theology at Harvard Divinity School outside Boston. Upon graduating, she realized what most excited her about the Bible was the passage where Jesus turns water into wine. She soon helped launch Boston’s B-Side Lounge, the first bar in the city to focus on classic cocktails and vintage spirits, and continued making her mark on the city’s hospitality scene during stints at Green Street, Brick & Mortar and Barbara Lynch’s award-winning Drink.
In 2007, Kalkofen founded Boston’s chapter of Ladies United for the Preservation of the Endangered Cocktail, fulfilling her desire to “cocktail for a cause.” Collectively, the ladies of LUPEC raised more than $40,000 for local Boston women’s charities by throwing the best parties in town.
In 2013, Misty signed on as a cultural liaison and brand representative for Del Maguey Single Village Mezcal. There, she learned the ins and outs of not only the spirit, but the people, customs and cultural considerations that go into its production.
Featured in the likes of Bon Appetit, Imbibe, Wine Enthusiast, The Wall Street Journal and The Boston Globe, to name just a few, Misty also racked up American Bartender of the Year and International Bartender of the Year nominations and an American Brand Ambassador of the Year award from Tales of the Cocktail, among other industry accolades.