Hey everyone,

I am truly honored and beyond grateful to have been selected as a 2025 Level Up scholarship recipient and I'm hoping to attend the event in Minneapolis with your help! It is a weekend of hands on education, community building and mentorship for working baristas! It’s hosted by Raise the Bar Coffee Inc., a nonprofit focused on creating accessible, equity-centered training for people like me.

For me, hospitality has always been rooted in family. From bring raised by Mama Celeste and my big sister in the Dominican Republic, to my mother's strength as a single parent, through the hardship of alcohol that took my fathers life and the steady love of my partner of 7 years, each part of my story has shaped me who i am today.

I am a compassionate, open minded individual who goes above and beyond to create meaningful, positive moments in every interaction. Generating a welcoming environment for both guests and team member is a core value of mine. I lead with empathy, offering coaching to those who need refinement and take pride in helping others grow.

I’m raising funds to cover my lodging, and airline travel so I can be part of this space. The event includes workshops, shared meals, a public cafe service, and the chance to connect with educators and peers from across the country. Any left over donations will be donated to the non profit organizations to keep supporting the program and other baristas!

Lodging cost $610, airline round trips tickets ranges from $310-$650.

Any amount helps. If you cant donate, sharing this link means a lot too!

Thank you for supporting me and the coffee community

With much love,

Briana J Lara