Welcome to Episode 1778, in which Cynthia Chaplin interviews Alicia Towns Franken in this installment of Voices, on the Italian Wine Podcast. More about today’s guest Alicia has over 25 years of experience in the wine industry and today she leads Wine Unify as the Executive Director. Wine Enthusiast named her as a Future 40 Tastemaker for her work building community, mentorship and supporting education for under-represented communities in the wine sector.  Connect: Website: www.wineunify.org archerroose.com Instagram:@artowns Twitter: @townsfranken Linkedin: @AliciaTownsFranken About today’s Host: Cynthia Chaplin is a VIA certified Italian Wine Ambassador, a professional sommelier with FIS and the WSA, a member of Le Donne del Vino, and a Professor of Italian wine and culture. Born in the USA, she’s lived in Europe since 1990. Italian wine, in particular rosé, is her passion. She works with embassies, corporations and private clients, creating and presenting tastings, events, seminars and in-depth courses. Cynthia is a wine writer, a judge at international wine and sake competitions, she consults with restaurants and enotecas developing comprehensive wine lists and food pairings, and she advises clients who want to curate an Italian wine collection. She currently works for Vinitaly International in Verona as a Project Manager, Educator, and the host of VOICES Series on The Italian Wine Podcast, focusing on diversity and inclusion in the global wine industry. Connect: Facebook: Italian Wines in English Instagram: kiss_my_glassx Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/cynthia-chaplin-190647179/ _______________________________ Let's keep in touch! Follow us on our social media channels: Instagram www.instagram.com/italianwinepodcast/ Facebook www.facebook.com/ItalianWinePodcast Twitter www.twitter.com/itawinepodcast Tiktok www.tiktok.com/@mammajumboshrimp LinkedIn www.linkedin.com/company/italianwinepodcast If you feel like helping us, donate here www.italianwinepodcast.com/donate-to-show/ Until next time, Cin Cin! Share this pod! Remember Voices is all about diversity, equity, and heart-warming personal stories about real people!