Hi y’all,

I’m Em (they/them), I am a Chicanx bartender and bar manager from Phoenix, AZ. I love what I do—not just pouring drinks, but exploring and sharing the rich stories behind them. If you know me, you know how passionate I am about agave spirits - not only because of their craftsmanship and flavor, but because they carry the history, resilience, and traditions of Mexican culture.

As the next step in my career, I’ve decided to pursue my Level I Mezcalier Certification here in Phoenix. I see this not only as an opportunity to achieve a long time personal goal, but also as way to deepen my connection to my ancestry, honor my heritage, and expand my education with humility and respect for the farmers and families who have preserved these traditions for generations.

In the U.S., agave spirits are often consumed without understanding their cultural roots or the environmental challenges tied to their production. Through this certification, I hope to encourage others to approach these spirits with care, respect, and awareness—sharing the stories of the land, the people, and the sustainable practices that keep these traditions alive. This training will allow me to further contribute to the larger conversation around agave spirits, so I can extend advocacy and education to my colleagues, guests and community—ensuring these spirits are celebrated as the cultural treasures they are.

The truth is, I can’t cover this cost on my own. The hospitality industry is struggling, (especially during the brutal summer months in AZ)— and so are most working-class people, regardless of their field. Even more importantly, I cannot in good conscience ask for support without acknowledging that there are countless people that are facing dire circumstances. There is an active genocide in Palestine, and there are so many others facing violence and oppression globally. Even in Phoenix, there are so many unsheltered neighbors that need our support. So, I want to emphasize that I don’t take this ask lightly, but I’m hoping for some support from my community if it’s within your means.

I’m asking for $700.00 to cover the cost of admission, as well as an additional $100.00 for each day of missed wages during the in-person classes. Whether you can donate, share this link, or just send some encouragement, EVERYTHING helps! And, if you want to talk further about the specifics of the curriculum, or how I plan to use this certification and continue my education beyond this first step, please reach out. Any feedback or suggestions on how I can activate this knowledge for others is greatly appreciated.

Thank you thank you thank you.

Em Lewis