Meet our 5 new mentees!
The Women In Beer Mentorship Programme has recently welcomed 5 new mentees.
Originally specializing in renewable energy, Eva Rainey entered the world of professional brewing in 2020. Having been an active homebrewer for several years, she took on the IBD General Certificate in Brewing in her free time and learned the ropes with friends at Ride Brewing Co in Glasgow. In 2021 Eva joined the team at WEST Brewery as a trainee, working up to Assistant Brewer. Keen to further her knowledge, Eva is currently working towards the IBD Diploma in Brewing and becoming a Certified Cicerone. She has joined beer judging panels including the Scottish Beer Awards (2023), SIBA Independent Beer Awards (2023), and the Scottish National Homebrewers Competition (2024). Her mentor is Jenn Merrick – Managing Director at Big Smoke Brew Co.
After working within the brewing industry for a few years, Grace Copley has recently landed a role as one of the brewers at Northern Monk. She’s also started a chemistry degree and is excited to apply this knowledge to further her brewing career. Her mentor is Edina Balint – Quality Manager and Brewer at SSV
Nia Rylance runs Ideal Day Family Brewery with her husband James at Crocadon Farm in the beautiful Tamar Valley, Cornwalll. They make beers focused on where our ingredients - especially their grain - comes from and how it was farmed. Their brewing inspiration comes from Belgium farmhouse traditions, classic British beers, and modern innovation. Her mentor is Joanna Neale - Owner and Director at The Malt Miller
Elissa Flynn is the assistant brewer at Fauna Brewing. Coming from a graphic design background, Elissa is new to the industry but has a long and steady love of beer. Eager to learn and evolve, she’s excited about her future in beer and connecting with the women who have helped to carve the path for all who follow. Her mentor is Lara Lopes Head Brewer at Round Corner Brewing
Molly Joyce is the Events Manager at Gipsy Hill Brewing Co, which is her first role within craft beer! Her background is in community outreach, digital marketing and journalism within hospitality and the arts sector.
She loves pubs and taprooms and their ability to connect people. Her interests lie in building community outreach programmes within the hospitality sector and breaking down barriers of entry to craft beer and pubs, by curating programming and events that re-establish these spaces as the epicentre of community and cultural heritage. Her mentor is Natalya Watson - Beer Sommelier, Founder of Virtual Beer School, podcast host and author