We hosted our first-ever Power Awards earlier this week to celebrate the 100+ women on our Power List who are making the culinary world a more interesting, inspiring, and innovative place. We gave out eight special awards that evening, the first of which was the Trailblazer Award presented in conjunction with @veuveclicquot to someone who embodies the bold spirit of the Champagne house’s fearless founder, Madame Clicquot. ⁠ ⁠ The Trailblazer Award was presented to @victoria___james, Executive Director of Beverage & Partnerships at Gracious Hospitality; author of “Wine Girl: The Obstacles, Humiliations, and Triumphs of America’s Youngest Sommelier”; and co-founder of the nonprofit education program @wineempowered. ⁠ ⁠ Victoria overcame a complicated upbringing to become one of the youngest sommeliers in the country, a journey she writes about in her memoir. In 2020, she bravely helped expose the sexual harassment happening at the highest level of the wine industry. Over the years, Victoria has risen through the ranks of Gracious Hospitality, the organization behind the celebrated @cotekoreansteakhouse and @coqodaq restaurants.⁠ ⁠ She is also the mother of two and through her Instagram account, has helped normalize pregnant women and nursing moms working in restaurants, beverage, and hospitality. “People should get used to seeing us pump in all the places we weren’t able to years ago,” she wrote. “Mamas, all the spaces are yours.” ⁠ ⁠ Victoria is rewriting the rules, showing a new generation what’s possible, and blazing trails. Thank you, Victoria! ⁠ ⁠ Check back later today for more of our special Power Award honorees. For the full Power List, visit cherrybombe.com or pick up a copy of The Power Issue, out now.⁠ ⁠ Event 📸 by @bfa