The First Sip! 2026 Convenes Coffee Industry Leaders in San Diego to Highlight Equity and Community

SAN DIEGO, Calif. - April 13, 2026 - The Coffee Coalition for Racial Equity (CCRE) hosted The First Sip! 2026 on April 10 in San Diego, bringing together coffee professionals, entrepreneurs, and advocates for a gathering centered on equity, community, and connection within the global coffee industry.

Held alongside World of Coffee 2026, the event took place at The Mental Bar in the San Diego Black Arts & Culture District. The setting reinforced the event's focus on culture and community, providing a space for attendees to engage in meaningful conversation beyond the structure of the conference environment and build authentic relationships across different sectors of the coffee industry.

A highlight of the evening was the presentation of the Innovator's Award to LaNisa Williams, a coffee professional, trainer, and entrepreneur dedicated to advancing coffee culture through education, innovation, and community impact. As the founder of Barista Life LA, Williams has built a platform focused on developing skilled baristas, supporting career growth, and creating meaningful pathways into the specialty coffee industry.

During the program, Phyllis Johnson, CCRE founder and President, reflected on the shared experience across the industry, emphasizing the importance of collective progress, visibility, and continued support for those working to build sustainable careers in coffee.

The event also included recognition of CCRE's Brewing for Equity Fellowship, a program first introduced in April 2025 and launched in July 2025. The Fellowship is designed to expand access, provide mentorship, and develop future leaders within the coffee industry through intentional programming and community engagement.

The full event recap is available at https://coffeeforequity.org/press/thefirstsip2026

Coffee Coalition for Racial Equity
Press contact: Phyllis Johnson
1720 Mars Hill Road NW, Suite 120-215
Acworth, GA 30152
media@coffeeforequity.org
www.coffeeforequity.org

About Coffee Coalition for Racial Equity (CCRE)
Founded in 2020, CCRE is committed to empowering Black professionals and entrepreneurs, expanding access to education and mentorship, and building a more inclusive coffee industry at every level. Through events, advocacy, and leadership programs, CCRE is fostering new pathways to opportunity and recognition in coffee.

This release was published on openPR.