MEET THE JUDGES
FOOD & DRINK
GARRETT OLIVER
BREWMASTER, BROOKLYN BREWERY
Brooklyn Brewery Brewmaster Garrett Oliver has done it all - written the books, won the awards, and championed American craft beer around the world. Today he is focused on the future of brewing. He can be found opening doors for people of color in brewing and distilling through his work with the Michael J. Jackson Foundation, spreading the word of the African sustainable super-grain fonio as a brewing ingredient, and pushing the boundaries of flavor.
Garrett will be looking for applicants who are creating the future of flavor and are ready to bring their ideas to the world.
ENTREPRENEURSHIP
STEVE HINDY
CO-FOUNDER, BROOKLYN BREWERY
Brooklyn Brewery Co-Founder Steve Hindy started our company with his homebrewing partner, Tom Potter. He was at the helm as we grew from brewhouse sketches to an international brand, and has served as a champion for entrepreneurs and dreamers of every description along the way.
Steve will be looking for early to mid-stage companies and creators that are just starting to scale their operations and are looking for the next step.
ARTS
LAUREN MARTIN
ILLUSTRATOR, NYC
Lauren Martin is an illustrator from New York City who draws inspiration from the humor found in nature and the mundane. Her work has circled the globe, repped major brands – including Brooklyn Brewery – and delighted her dedicated fans with wave after wave of bright, playful designs.
Lauren will be looking for visual artists creating brilliant work with a unique perspective, and are ready to bring their art to the world.
MUSIC
SAIDAH BLOUNT
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, BRIC CELEBRATE BROOKLYN!
Saidah Blount is the Executive Director of BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn! Festival and has a legendary history in producing and developing new sonic and cultural platforms for global brands, such as NPR, Cornerstone/The FADER, and Sonos. While serving as the executive producer of Sonos Radio, Blount elevated and expanded the company’s reach in the music industry.
Saidah will be looking for musicians and bands with a distinct sound that are looking to push their boundaries and share their music across platforms and around the globe.
ACTIVISM
STACY LENTZ
CEO AND CO-FOUNDER,
THE STONEWALL INN GIVES BACK INITIATIVE
Stacy Lentz is the CEO and co-founder of The Stonewall Inn Gives Back Initiative, which supports grassroots LGBTQ+ activists around the world. She has dedicated her life to equality and improving the lives of the entire LGBTQ+ community, and is instrumental in everything from NYC Pride Week to outreach in underserved areas across the US.
Stacy will be looking for community activists that are looking to develop their tactics and deepen their impact.