The Skylight NOLA Hospitality Mentorship Program wrapped up its inaugural run on Sunday, September 8th with their finale cocktail showcase at Rosy’s Jazz Hall in New Orleans. The event was a celebration of the next generation of women, femme and nonbinary bartending talent, giving this year’s Skylight NOLA class the chance to show off the impact of the six-week program – while showcasing the skills they developed working alongside some of the biggest names in hospitality.
Hosted by Another Round Another Rally in partnership with Moët Hennessy Trade Advocacy, the event united mentors, mentees, industry insiders and more who came to sip custom cocktails, sample curated wines and enjoy light appetizers and live music while celebrating the successes of our Skylight NOLA class!
“Reflecting on the end of Skylight NOLA, it’s inspiring to see the impact on everyone involved,” said Moët Hennessy’s Manager of Trade Advocacy Jen Marshall. “The program fostered so much growth, learning and meaningful connections for both mentees and mentors. We’re proud to have helped facilitate it and look forward to watching each participant thrive in their next steps!”
In addition to serving up specialty cocktails they created alongside their respective mentors, the event shined a spotlight on the power of mentorship, giving mentees an opportunity to highlight how guidance from experienced professionals can elevate careers and open doors to new professional and educational opportunities.
“The combination of mentorship, hands-on learning and access to industry professionals helped me grow as both a cultural influencer and a leader,” said Mika Terry, of this year’s Skylight NOLA mentorship program class. “By being accepted and pushed during this program, I have a new found love for my craft and capabilities”, MJ Clark, another Skylight NOLA 2024 alum added.
While this event marked the first Skylight Showcase in New Orleans, previous installments in the Phoenix area saw similar success, leading to the program’s expansion into multiple markets. Research shows that mentorship has far-reaching effects, with The Harvard Business Review reporting that 75% of today’s executives credit their success to mentors, while 90% of employees with mentors report feeling happy and satisfied in the workplace.
“After completing the Skylight Hospitality Mentorship Program, I feel a renewed sense of love and appreciation for my industry,” shared Melissa Hess, a Skylight NOLA 2024 Mentee. “Seeing more women, femme or nonbinary people in positions of leadership in the hospitality industry is very important to me, and I am honored and proud to be a graduate of Skylight. I feel empowered, uplifted and I have made lasting connections with so many talented people.”
By creating a space where women, femme and nonbinary bartending professionals can thrive and excel, the Skylight Mentorship Program encourages diversity and inclusivity in the bar industry. It also sets new standards for what’s possible when underrepresented industry voices get the tools, support and opportunities they need to succeed.
Our team is so excited to continue our partnership with Moët Hennessy Trade Advocacy, as we serve even more of the hospitality community through mentorship – Stay tuned for 2025 programming updates and opportunities!
Photo Credit: Melleaux Photo
