Cultivating diversity not just in Beer, but beyond.
Addressing the lack of diversity in a multitude of industries and how we can all work together to improve it. One conversation at a time.
Meet Ren
Ren Navarro brings over 20 years of corporate customer service and management experience, alongside 12+ years of hands-on knowledge and experience in the beer world. She is certified by some of the world's largest alcohol programs, Prud’homme, WSET, Cicerone and AFicioNAdo (alcohol free certification). She has also appeared on national television talking about historical aspects of alcohol, new trends in alcohol, and the benefits of stronger communities.
In 2018, Ren created Beer. Diversity., a company/advocacy group whose focus was for folks to be able to have open conversations one beer at a time. With the evolution of the company into non-alcohol spheres, she introduced B. Diversity. in early 2023. This expansion aims to create safer spaces in which to have open and honest conversations and support to create meaningful change in a multitude of industries.
Since 2022, she has been working toward her HR management certification through Seneca College. She has taught the History of Beer and Brewing course at Niagara College, teaching students about both the well known and the forgotten aspects of history, focusing on bringing diversity to the forefront of learning.
She has been the go-to diversity, equity and inclusion expert for breweries of all sizes, from small family run to multinational conglomerates. Ren has helped breweries with everything from procedures and policies through to hiring and retention, alongside understanding the community they inhabit. She has also worked extensively outside of the drinks world, assisting organisations with their DEI journey and learning.
She loves tattoos, goats, and gives pretty good hugs.
Certificates & Training:
Prud'homme Beer Certification, 2013
Level 1: Beer Enthusiast
Cicerone Certification Program, 2018
Level 1: Certified Beer Server
Prud'homme Beer Certification, 2019
Level 2: Beer Specialist
WSET Awards, 2020
WSET Level 2 Award in Wines
WSET Awards, 2021
WSET Level 2 Award in Spirits
HR Management certificate, 2022 - ongoing
Seneca College
(AF)(NA) Beer Certified™ Exam, 2023
Level 1: Beer Certified
CGLCC (Canada's LGBT+ Chamber of Commerce), 2023 - ongoing
LGBTQ+ Business Enterprise (LGBTBE)/ LGBTQ+ Certified Supplier
Work with Ren
Hire Ren to speak at your event or brewery, or as a consultant to help you take actionable steps towards a more diverse and inclusive business.
Photo: Randy Hogg
people are talking
“Ren lead an informative session that addressed issues of diversity and inclusion within the brewing industry. Her session catered to various roles within the brewing industry and included several tangible take aways for employees and business owners alike. Ren’s casual approach and personal breadth of experience within the craft beer industry make her presentation that much more impactful and relatable. Each of our employees came away from Ren’s presentation with improved knowledge about equity within the brewing industry, and with skills that could be implemented immediately to improve our own communities. Ren’s approachable style also create a wonderful forum for dialogue, which creates an environment where folks are willing to share and to be vulnerable while learning. ”
“Ren possesses a unique perspective shaped by her life and work experience, combined with a passion for beer. She shares this outlook with an equally singular voice, one that is full of refreshing candor infused with personal truth. Her perspective, delivery and humility make Ren significantly influential in amplifying the conversation of diversity in the beer industry, in a way that can create real change. When it came to finding a speaker to energize the dialogue of inclusion and diversity with our team – there was no better individual than Ren Navarro. Thanks Ren!”
“Simply put, Ren is amazing! We began working with Ren to develop our craft beer program from infancy, and in the last 4+ years she has crafted a beer program that has quickly put us on the map as a “go-to” spot for beer lovers. Ren is well respected in the beer industry and is extremely diligent, understanding our business needs and wants. She has provided continuous support with ordering, functionality, staff training, industry connections and is an integral part of our Craft Beer Dinner Series. I highly recommend working with this one of a kind human!”
