Inaugural International Women's Day Celebration- Networking Happy Hour and Panel Discussion

Learn about the ways international connections bring local economic prosperity to Northern Kentucky and Cincinnati. We are thrilled to invite you to our Inaugural International Women's Day Celebration—an event you won’t want to miss!

When: Friday, March 7th | 4–7 PM
Where: New Riff Distilling

This is your chance to connect with other ambitious women from across the Northern Kentucky and Cincinnati region! Engage in meaningful networking, spark new opportunities, and be inspired by a powerful discussion on entrepreneurship and empowerment led by our incredible panelists. Special Guest: Rachel DesRochers will be sharing her wisdom and signing copies of her latest book—don’t miss the chance to meet this visionary leader! Enjoy delicious food catered by small vendors at New Riff, a complimentary drink ticket with every ticket purchase, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere designed to celebrate YOU.

Let’s raise a glass to the achievements of women everywhere while building the connections that will shape the future. Grab your ticket today and join us for an unforgettable evening!

Meet the Panelists:

Mollie Lewis, President of New Riff Distilling: Second generation of family leadership, Mollie became President of New Riff in March 2024. With a background in product design and the beverage industry, Mollie spent several years working in Italy as an international export manager. After experiences on both U.S. coasts and abroad, Mollie returned to Kentucky in 2014 to help her father launch New Riff. With the distillery expansion over the decade as well as the change in leadership, Mollie strives to continue the company vision of community outreach, innovation, and collaboration.

Rachel DesRochers, Founder of Grateful Grahams, Incubator Kitchen, and Power to Pursue:Rachel DesRochers is a mother, a dreamer, a serial entrepreneur, and the founder of Power to Pursue. Gratitude and community are at the heart of everything she does — and she does a lot.

In addition to founding Power to Pursue, Rachel is the creator behind Grateful Grahams, the Incubator Kitchen Collective, Gratitude Grams, and Good n' Local, all of which make up The Gratitude Collective. She is also an advisor for the Queen City Game Changers, an executive leadership program for women. Rachel has been recognized for her work with numerous awards and accolades, including the Local Luminary from Slow Foods Cincinnati, and the 2021 Emerging Leader Honoree for Outstanding Women of NKY. She was a semifinalist for Martha Stewart’s American Made Award, and was included in the Cincinnati Business Courier 2020 list of 40 Under 40. In addition,Rachel was recently invited to speak in Italy by an alumni the International Visitors Leadership Program which was hosted by World Affairs Council - Cincinnati & NKY.

When not managing her multiple businesses, Rachel stays busy being a mom to three wildly wonderful children.

Alejandra Flores, Owner of Unataza Coffee: Alejandra is a business owner, community organizer, and travel planner. Alejandra moved to the U.S. from Honduras in 2010 after earning a degree in business administration. Wanting to stay connected with her roots, she began organizing annual trips to Honduras for friends and coworkers. In 2015, she noticed a growing passion for specialty coffee in Northern Kentucky and Cincinnati, coinciding with Honduras gaining recognition for its high-quality coffee production.

Since opening her coffee shop in Dayton, Kentucky, in September 2019, she has partnered directly with farmers, including featuring coffee from Katia Duke. Through her efforts, Alejandra not only brings Honduran coffee to Cincinnati but also supports local businesses and promotes meaningful cultural connections on her annual trips.

Diana Jaime, Manager of Operations at Mi Cozumel: Diana is the dynamic Operations Manager at Mi Cozumel, a restaurant that has experienced remarkable growth under her leadership. With a Master’s in Marketing from EAE Business School and a background from Universidad de La Salle Bajío, Diana is a powerhouse in marketing and sales strategies, media direction, and menu development. Her expertise extends to creating innovative customer service solutions, staff coordination, and ensuring impeccable food presentation. Above all, Diana is a proud mom to her shining light, Estella, balancing her thriving career with the joys of motherhood. Her passion for excellence and dedication to both her professional and personal life make her an inspiring woman for our incredible panel.