The Ada Coleman Project & Legacy
The inspiration
Women play many key roles and ‘make up 70% of the hospitality industry’s workforce globally, (however) they hold less than 40% of managerial positions, (and) less than 20% of general management roles,’* and are under-represented, sometimes severely, at many regional and global bar shows, cocktail weeks and other industry-wide celebrations. Although gains have been made toward equality and inclusion, much work still needs to be done. Over the past two years, The Ada Coleman Project team has engaged with bar show organisations, owners of some of the world’s top-ranked cocktail bars, and brand owners, and has concluded that, in some cases, there is a lack of awareness of and/or access to prominent women in the drinks industry. We are firm believers in the philosophy of not calling attention to inequities without also offering feasible avenues toward better practices, thus our database, digital space and global advocacy initiative idea was born to help close these gaps.
The Solution
One of the standout features of the Ada Coleman Project is its global database of accomplished women and non-binary people in the drinks industry. This database has been designed to serve as a crucial tool for brands, bars and businesses to use to help diversify their activations. The Ada Coleman Project is a groundbreaking initiative creating a dedicated digital space for women and non-binary professionals in the hospitality and drinks industry. Our website provides links to a wide range of materials, including educational content and health & well-being support organisations. In addition, the educational workshops and networking opportunities planned by the team focus on building the confidence and skills of women and non-binary professionals looking to take the next step in their careers.
ADA COLEMAN
Without knowing it at the time, Ada Coleman, being the first woman named Head Bartender of the Savoy Hotel in London, was to become a beacon of light and inspiration for women in the industry, even 100 years later and to this very day. Ada ‘Coley’ Coleman was one of the most famous bartenders, probably even in the world, in the height of the 1920s. She was a pioneering figure and groundbreaker in a time when very few women were offered high-profile roles in the bar industry. Coley, as many are aware, was also the creator of the classic cocktail, the Hanky Panky, still loved by both bartenders and barflies to this day.
OUR LOGO
Our Hanky Panky-inspired logo directly reflects our initiative and is the first of its kind in that it will react and evolve with positive change. The logo will be ever-evolving, as it’s an interactive representation of women and non-binary people’s inclusivity within the industry. The more women and non-binary people are included, the more the glass will fill.
Our hope is that one day our glass will overflow.
Pillars of The Ada Coleman Project
Our mission is to see more women and non-binary professionals leading and educating in the global drinks industry.
To cultivate a more inclusive and representative approach to drinks education and leadership
To empower our fellow women and non-binary professionals in hospitality
To inspire future generations
Support The Project
The Ada Coleman Project is not just a platform; it’s a catalyst for change in an industry ready to embrace inclusivity, innovation, and the wealth of talent women and non-binary professionals bring to the world of drinks.
Through a dynamic digital hub, The Ada Coleman Project provides resources and a curated database of accomplished women and non-binary talent. It creates pathways for these professionals to step into visible, influential roles as educators, panelists, masterclass hosts, judges, and guest bartenders.
With one clear mission—to see more women and non-binary professionals educating and leading in the global drinks industry—this initiative goes beyond visibility. It actively builds opportunities, fosters community, and drives meaningful, long-term change.
Investment in The Ada Coleman Project is an investment in the future of the drinks industry: one that is more inclusive, more representative, and powered by a broader, richer pool of talent.