Join JWI’s L.A. Network for an evening of wine tasting and inspiring conversation led by wine & spirits executive, certified sommelier, and Jewish do-gooder, Jennifer Thomas. Jennifer will guide us through an exploration of four wines (not Kosher), thoughtfully paired with artisan cheeses, fresh baguette and juicy grapes. After the tasting, we'll be in dialogue with Jennifer and one another on topics such as excelling in a male-dominated industry and profession, the importance of giving back, and finding your own path to happiness and fulfillment.
Street and public lot parking nearby, daily parking on-site (rates vary). Cash and checks will not be accepted at the event - please RSVP online prior to attending.
This event is free for members, and $10 for non-members.
Membership is only $36 for the entire year and gets you discounts on all of our events!
Jennifer Thomas has over 20 years of experience in sales, hospitality, training and education with her most recent role as the Director of Global Accounts with Ste. Michelle Wine Estates. Her clients are some of the top restaurant and hotel chains in the United States (The Cheesecake Factory, Applebee’s, Kimpton Hotels, BJ’s Restaurants and more) and is responsible for over $5 million dollars in wine sales; representing brands from Napa, Washington, Oregon, Italy, Spain, France and New Zealand. She is a certified sommelier and loves educating people about wine, from the most basic levels to more individualized topics of various wine regions. Overall, one of her favorite things is helping to demystify wines for others.
Jennifer’s problem solving skills and ability to develop creative and strategic solutions led her to start her own company called “JRT Solutions.” It is a coaching firm that works with women to teach them how to navigate their path, despite how unknown it may be, and help them understand that they can be the architects of their own career. Her main objective is to help women develop the tools to understand that all great courses in life are often not charted or planned, yet with the right motivation and alignment within, even the loudest outside voices can’t knock you off your path. It’s been through this practice and conviction that she has been able to rise through the ranks of the industry (a very male dominated one, at that) and never once questioned if she “had a seat at the table.”
Jennifer’s love of helping others is further shown as she is a part of the mentoring program within her company, and she volunteers her time with the Shalom Institute, where she previously served on the board. When she’s not on the go, you can find her in Redondo Beach with her husband and two kids, where they spend time baking, cooking and entertaining friends and family at home.
