SAN DIEGO, Calif., April 13, 2026 — The Espresso Coalition for Racial Fairness (CCRE) hosted The First Sip! 2026 on April 10 in San Diego, California, bringing collectively espresso professionals, entrepreneurs, and advocates for an intimate gathering centered on fairness, group, and connection throughout the international espresso business.
Held along with World of Espresso 2026, the occasion came about at The Psychological Bar within the San Diego Black Arts & Tradition District. The setting bolstered the occasion’s concentrate on tradition and group, offering an area for attendees to have interaction past the construction of the convention atmosphere.
A spotlight of the night was the presentation of the Innovator’s Award to LaNisa Williams, a espresso skilled, coach, and entrepreneur devoted to advancing espresso tradition by way of training, innovation, and group influence. Because the founding father of Barista Life LA, Williams has constructed a platform centered on growing expert baristas and creating significant pathways into the specialty espresso business.
Throughout this system, Phyllis Johnson, CCRE founder and President, mirrored on the shared expertise throughout the business, noting, “As I look out and see lots of you, I do know all of us battle… we’re all on this collectively, and the way in which we get by way of it’s by transferring ahead collectively.”
The occasion additionally included recognition of CCRE’s Brewing for Fairness Fellowship, a program first launched in April 2025 and launched in July 2025.
The total occasion recap is offered at www.coffeeforequity.org/press/
About Espresso Coalition for Racial Fairness
Based in 2020, CCRE is dedicated to empowering Black and Brown professionals and entrepreneurs, increasing entry to training and mentorship, and constructing a extra inclusive espresso business at each degree. By way of occasions, advocacy, and management applications, CCRE is fostering new pathways to alternative and recognition in espresso.
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