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Asare-Appiah and Haralson to lead TOTC Diversity Council

Tales of the Cocktail (TOTC) has named Bacardi’s Colin Asare-Appiah and New Orleans Redevelopment Authority’s Jasmine Haralson as the co-chairs of its newly formed Diversity Council.

In their new roles, Asare-Appiah and Haralson will establish and lead a group of cocktail professionals and diversity experts in discussing and developing actionable plans to address industry inclusion.

Their recommendations and best-practice will be shared with cocktail professionals around the world through TOTC platforms, including at events and online.

Colin Asare-Appiah has more than 20 years’ experience in the cocktail industry, from starting a bar in Greece to his current position as senior portfolio ambassador for Bacardi. He also founded the London Academy of Bartending and played a major role in Cocktail Kings, a TV programme which aired on the Discovery Channel.

Jasmine Haralson currently serves as the director of external affairs and board secretary at the New Orleans Redevelopment Authority where she oversees community outreach and marketing. She brings with her more than 15 years of public service, having previously held roles in the New Orleans City Council.

Both Asare-Appiah and Haralson will now work with TOTC to identify other industry and non-industry figures to join the council.

“I really appreciate the opportunity to co-chair the Tales of the Cocktail Diversity Council with Jasmine Haralson and utilise her extensive experience,” said Asare-Appiah.

“The council will provide a platform for fostering considerate practices across our industry and I hope everyone will join us and get involved for the benefit of all members of our community.”

Haralson added: “It’s truly an honour to be asked to serve as co-chair of the Diversity Council for Tales of the Cocktail.

“As a non-industry partner I hope to utilise my 15 years of experience in Governmental Affairs and Community Relations to assist Ann, the TOTC board and team with addressing matters that affect people who have been marginalised in this industry and provide solutions to ensure equitable opportunities and inclusion.”

Ann Tuennerman, founder of Tales of Cocktail., commented: “I am honoured that Colin and Jasmine have agreed to take on this critical and difficult task.

“Their diversity of experience both in the industry and outside of it will complement each other well in finding solutions that can begin to address the diversity issues our industry faces.”

TOTC announced it would establish a diversity council in March 2017 with the purpose of evaluating and developing diversity and inclusion initiatives within the organisation. The move followed the resignation of TOTC chief business officer Paul Tuennerman following public backlash over a ‘blackface’ Facebook post of Ann, who is also his wife.

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