Suggestions
Alya Lilani
Helping people get started in their culture journeys | Making wine more accessible
Alya Lilani is a prominent figure in the beverage industry, serving as a Member of the Board of Advisors for Drinks United, which is affiliated with organizations such as the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET), the Wine and Spirit Trade Association (WSTA), and The Drinks Trust. Her contributions to these organizations reflect her expertise and commitment to advancing the wine and spirits sector.
Professional Background::
- Alya has a rich background in the drinks industry, focusing on education, advocacy, and support for professionals within the field.
- She is known for her strategic insights and leadership capabilities, which enhance the initiatives of Drinks United and its partners.
Affiliations::
- Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET): A global leader in wine and spirit education, WSET provides qualifications that are recognized worldwide.
- WSTA: This organization represents the interests of businesses involved in the production and sale of wines and spirits in the UK.
- The Drinks Trust: A charity dedicated to supporting individuals in the drinks industry, particularly during challenging times.
Alya's role on these boards indicates her influence and dedication to fostering a sustainable and thriving environment for professionals in the drinks sector.
Highlights
It’s been a tough week to be an ethnic minority in the UK. Beyond that, the world seems to have gone a bit mad at the moment.
I’ve been going over and over again about what to post, but if I’m honest, I feel muted. I don’t know what to say. Because, as I’m sure many are, I am tired of writing posts to condemn actions and behaviour, and then the same cycle starts again. It’s draining. We need to look after our wellbeing and mental health.
So today, I want to celebrate community.
I’m currently taking part in the Media For All [MEFA] mentor scheme, both as a mentor and mentee, and we’ve just passed the half way check-in.
Thanks to the brilliant community MEFA has built and taking part in the programme: 👯 I have two new friends. 🖊 I’ve started writing again, and I love writing. Everything and anything on food, culture and people. They’re so intrinsically linked. 💡 I’ve facilitated MBTI feedback sessions, and rediscovered it as a starting point to help people working on their self-awareness.
So, as we come to the last week of South Asian Heritage Month, and the end of another a tough week: 🤗 Look after yourselves. 👩❤️👩 Embrace your community. 🎉 Celebrate even in the midst of madness.
And if you’re ever questioning what you have to give as a mentor, do it. Everyone has something they can share with, and learn from, someone else.
Happy Friday!
#community #mentoring #mediaforall #inclusion
Media For All [MEFA]'s mission is to help Black, Asian, mixed race and ethnic minority talent thrive in the media and advertising industry, and ultimately, increase the ethnic diversity of the media and advertising industry in the UK.
I’m happy to share that I’ve started a new position as Member of the Board of Advisors at Drinks United (a joint initiative from Wine & Spirit Education Trust, The Wine and Spirit Trade Association and The Drinks Trust) - whose mission is to make the drinks industry safer, more equitable, more diverse and more inclusive.
Working both as a Culture & Engagement Consultant - specialising in helping companies start on their culture journeys (especially in designing, developing and implementing DE&I strategies and training programmes) as well as a Sommelier with a love for wine and hospo - I am excited and honoured to, not only be a board member, but to work alongside brilliant trailblazers, champions and advocates in the drinks industry, to change the industry for the better.
