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OurWhisky relaunches mentorship programme
The OurWhisky Foundation has opened applications for its relaunched mentorship programme for women in whisky.
Originally launched in 2022, the global programme is now known as the Atonia Programme, renamed to better reflect the breadth of content delivered beyond mentorship.
Meaning ‘strong as oak’, the name Atonia is said to symbolise the wisdom, strength, resilience, endurance and growth of the programme’s participants.
It was also the name given to the OurWhisky Foundation’s first whisky created for its auction collection.
The programme, which is a personal and professional development course run by the non-profit organisation, blends personalised mentorship with virtual workshops and networking sessions, and is designed to elevate the careers of women and non-binary individuals working in whisky, with the aim of contributing to a more equitable industry.
Becky Paskin, founder of the OurWhisky Foundation, said: “Our mentorship programme has rapidly become a beacon for women seeking to develop their careers in whisky, but until now we’ve been limited as to how many individuals we’ve been able to help.
“The new Atonia Programme is designed to provide a more in-depth and valuable experience, equipping women in whisky with vital personal and professional skills alongside a supportive community.
“We know the positive impact mentorship can have in developing confidence and career opportunities, and are excited to now extend the Atonia Programme to more women in whisky than ever.”
The global programme has so far guided 200 women and non-binary individuals toward their goals, with 100% of graduates highly recommending the programme to others. As such, it now receives seven times more applications than places available.
This demand has prompted a move away from a global approach and the establishment of new regional chapters that can provide more opportunities to those in need.
Applications are now being accepted for the first two regional Atonia Programmes in Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales) and Ireland, from those working in the English, Welsh, Scottish and Irish whisky industries.
The OurWhisky foundation said graduates have been found to experience an overall 53% increase in confidence, building a long-lasting community of like-minded women around them, while 30% earn promotions or new roles in the whisky industry within 12 months of starting.
Only 25 places are available on each six-month programme, with the next running from May to October 2025. Participants will be assigned a personal mentor according to their goals.
This year’s programme will culminate in a graduation ceremony in November, at which graduates will receive an Atonia pin and certificate.
Applications for both GB and Ireland’s Atonia Programmes are now being accepted online at ourwhiskyfoundation.org until 28 February.
Further regional chapters beyond GB and Ireland will be announced in due course.
The Atonia Programme is open to any woman or non-binary individual seeking a career in whisky in participating regions, for the heavily subsidised cost of £249 (US$309).
A small number of scholarships will be available for applicants who are in a position of financial hardship.
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