SAN DIEGO, Calif., April 13, 2026 — The Coffee Coalition for Racial Equity (CCRE) hosted The First Sip! 2026 on April 10 in San Diego, California, bringing together coffee professionals, entrepreneurs, and advocates for an intimate gathering centered on equity, community, and connection within the global coffee industry.
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Held in conjunction with World of Coffee 2026, the event took place at The Mental Bar in the San Diego Black Arts & Culture District. The setting reinforced the event’s focus on culture and community, providing a space for attendees to engage beyond the structure of the conference environment.
A highlight of the evening was the presentation of the Innovator’s Award to LaNisa Williams, a coffee professional, trainer, and entrepreneur dedicated to advancing coffee culture through education, innovation, and community impact. As the founder of Barista Life LA, Williams has built a platform focused on developing skilled baristas and creating meaningful pathways into the specialty coffee industry.
During the program, Phyllis Johnson, CCRE founder and President, reflected on the shared experience across the industry, noting, “As I look out and see many of you, I know we all struggle… we’re all in this together, and the way we get through it is by moving forward together.”
The event also included recognition of CCRE’s Brewing for Equity Fellowship, a program first introduced in April 2025 and launched in July 2025.
The full event recap is available at www.coffeeforequity.org/press/
About Coffee Coalition for Racial Equity
Founded in 2020, CCRE is committed to empowering Black and Brown professionals and entrepreneurs, expanding access to education and mentorship, and building a more inclusive coffee industry at every level. Through events, advocacy, and leadership programs, CCRE is fostering new pathways to opportunity and recognition in coffee.
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