Our directors and advisors come from all walks of the wine and spirits industry, bringing vast knowledge, connections and insights to our programs and members.
Dream Big Darling is a movement inspired not just by one person’s idea but the collective vision of its founding board, advisory team and leadership staff—an incredible group of highly-engaged and successful professionals who are committed to helping young people find success, confidence and community.
Our goal is pure: to help others succeed. We aren’t driven by membership or sponsors, but helping the next generation—and our industry—succeed and thrive.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
AMANDA WITTSTROM-HIGGINS
BOARD President & Founder,
Full Cup Solutions
“You must be able to imagine your success…this is your greatest superpower.”
Abby Lopez
BOARD Treasurer,
Hope Family Wines
“Take someone you admire out for coffee.”
Dr. Meredith Dillion
Board Secretary,
College of the Desert
“To thy on self be true.”
ADVISORS
Meridith May
SOMM Journal, Tasting Panel, Clever Route
“Get to know as many people as you can and network, network, network.”
CHUCK FURUYA
Master Sommelier
“Never stop being curious.”
Toni Negranti-Higgins
Negranti Higgins CPA
“Chase your dreams because they won’t chase you back.”
Katherine Wallace GallagHer
TOTAL WINE AND More
Stacie jacob
Solterra Strategies (Founding Board Member)
“Say yes, be uncomfortable, show up, commit.”
MAEVE PESQUERA
O’Neill Vintners & Distillers
“Insatiable curiosity and a love for connection will be your best guides.”
Becky Harris
Catoctin Creek
“Professional organizations will help you build networks of mutual support.”
Chloé Asseo-Fabre
L’Aventure Winery
“Don’t be intimidated by this industry, you’ve got this.”
Amy HoopEs
The Wine Group
“Don’t get discouraged. We don’t lose, we only win or learn.”
Rachel Collier
Distinguished Vineyards
“Grab a coffee with someone and get to know them.”
SUSAN KOSTRZEWA
RESPLENDENT INK
“Ask questions! Real wisdom is knowing what you don’t know.”
ADRIENNE FERRARA
Cal Poly State University, Clesi Winery
“Seek a supportive work culture first; the rest will follow.”
ERIN KIRSCHENMANN
WINE BUSINESS MONTHLY
“Never be afraid to ask the question and always practice active listening.”
Karl Wittstrom
Ancient Peaks Winery
Regine T. Rousseau
Shall we wine
“Make friends. They will advocate for you when you're not in the room.”
COURTNEY TAYLOR
BONTERRA ORGANIC ESTATES
“Network! Be proactive in seeking mentors and making connections.”
Cynthia Lohr
J.Lohr VineyardS & Winery
“Seek opportunities that demonstrate your impact and share widely!”
Madeline Triffon
Master Sommelier
“Try hard, be polite, share with your team, stay cheerful!”
OUR PARTNERS
We’re supported by caring individuals as well as companies who help us accomplish our mission.
Learn more about our incredible partners.
