Halleemah Nash can remember the entire essential decisions she’s made in her life. Amongst the very best? Selecting to attend Howard University.

Growing up the Compton, California native said she saw the the crucial role education played in Black youths lives, particularly once they were being taught by individuals with the identical lived experiences.

“Howard University was really considered one of the primary times in my life where I used to be completely immersed in Black excellence on a regular basis and that’s really what helped set my ambitious path,” Nash said, who after working in community relations for the Chicago Bulls, Chicago Bears and countless notable celebrities, pivoted to found Rosecrans Ventures, a startup that gives coaching and profession readiness to underrepresented Gen Z talent.

Now, many years and a storied profession in social entrepreneurship later, she’s paying homage to her undergrad alma mater with a historic partnership.

Nash recently joined forces with spirits giant Beam Suntory to launch her own limited line of premium liquor “Brown Girl Bourbon in Blue.”

The partnership is part of a bigger initiative from Beam Suntory to amplify underrepresented communities and marks the primary time Maker’s Mark has teamed up with an HBCU alum to be a component of the Private Selection process and create their very own liquid. Nash was joined by Joshua Mercer, efllow Howard University alum to create his own bourbon as well, Blaque Mecca.

“At Maker’s Mark, we respect the heritage and deep sense of community that HBCUs represent, and we were honored that Halleemah and Josh visited the distillery to develop their very own bourbon entirely unique to their alma mater experiences,” shared Rachel Harb, Senior Manager, Maker’s Mark Private Select. “These custom-created bourbons are only one small way we will commemorate HBCU alums making their mark, and we couldn’t be more excited to be a part of the homecoming weekend celebrations.”

Bourbon brands, particularly those distilled in its birthplace, Kentucky have long been a bastion of non-minorities for the reason that 1770s. But, with the assistance of Nash and corporations like Beam Suntory, those days are previously.

Brown Girl Bourbon In Blue and Blaque Mecca will each be available within the DC-Metro area at select stores and across Howard University’s campus during homecoming weekend, October 23-25.  Proceeds will profit the Howard University Alumni Association.

For more information visit https://www.makersmark.com/.