Championing Inclusion, Equity, and Justice in the Craft Beer Community
Dr. J
Jackson-Beckham
FOUNDER & Executive Director
J Jackson-Beckham, Ph.D. (or “Dr. J,” as she is affectionately called) founded Craft x EDU in 2019 because she passionately believes two things. First, that the craft beer community is a uniquely wonderful space to which anyone who is compelled to explore should have access. Second, that the craft beer community is uniquely positioned to be a vehicle for the positive transformation of communities and a lever in broader efforts to move the needle toward more inclusive, equitable, and just environments—at work, at play, and beyond.
Prior to founding Craft x EDU, Dr. J was a professor of communication and cultural studies who dedicated her academic career to the study of American beer. Her research about the cultural dynamics of the brewing industry has been published as social commentary, journal articles, and academic book chapters. Dr. J is an accomplished international speaker and trainer, having delivered dozens of keynote addresses and guest lectures. She regularly provides expertise as a guest on radio shows, podcasts, and in news and entertainment media on the culture of craft beer.
In April 2018, Dr J was appointed the first ever Diversity Ambassador for the Brewers Association, the nonprofit professional association for small and independent brewers in the U.S. Today, she serves as the association’s Equity & Inclusion Partner. She also is a founding member of the board of directors for the Michael J. Jackson Foundation for Brewing and Distilling and the National Black Brewers Association.
Our Directors
Mari Rodela
is a passionate and experienced community specialist with a demonstrated history of working in the food & beverage industry and small business community. Throughout her career, she has played a central role in facilitating strategic and organizational development and systems development and implementation for both for- and non-profit organizations. As a longtime resident of Washington, DC, Mari is proud to have played key leadership roles in DC Brau Brewing (2009 – 2022) and the District of Columbia’s Brewers Guild (2012 – 2021), both organizations contribute immeasurably to the sustainability and growth of DC’s local economy and community. She currently sits on the boards of the Heurich House Museum, Craft x EDU, SMYAL’s Fall Brunch Coordinating Committee, the Think Local First DC Advisory Committee, and the Bladensburg Road Main Street Advisory Committee.
Mari has a Master’s degree in Social Work and a Master’s degree in Public Health from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. She also received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Psychology and Philosophy from Trinity University located in Northeast Washington, DC.
Scott Metzger
founded Freetail Brewing in San Antonio more than a decade ago. At the time, he was unsatisfied with the legislative environment for craft brewers in TX. He successfully lobbied the state legislature to change laws regarding market access, opening up opportunities for dozens of small businesses across the state. Scott has served on the board of directors of the Texas Craft Brewers Guild and the Brewers Association where he served as the first chair of the Brewers Association Diversity Committee. Scott is currently the Chief Operating Officer for Maui Brewing Co.
JAMAAL LEMON
is an acclaimed beer writer, James Beard Nominated journalist, NAGBW Award Winner and International Association of Culinary Professionals Finalist.
A Charleston native—currently residing in South Florida. Jamaal became obsessed with beer after completing an internship in The Czech Republic, Belgium & Germany. When the that experience came to a close, Jamaal put his degree in English and love of culture to good use as an award winning writer and journalist for the beer industry.
He is the author of the 2020 NAGBW Award winning article for best commentary, “Mutated Anxieties” and author of the James Beard Nominated three-part article and podcast series, “Tek Cyear Uh De Root “ – a historical and contemporary look into Charleston’s German Shutzenfest and the African American involvement in beer spaces, past and present
Jamaal led a social initiative aimed to promote conversations related to diversity and inclusivity through beer collaborations with: Edmunds Oast, Lost Lagers, Good Beer Hunting, Saint Joseph’s University and the Barrel and Flow Beer Festival in Pittsburgh, PA. Jamaal also co-hosts the “Help the Pour Podcast—Conversations with Women(only), about Women, Over a Pint of Beer”. The project’s mission is to explore the impact of women in the beer industry and introduce the culture of beer to women, who may consider themselves novices.
Jamaal’s expertise lies within his love of beer and food pairings, music, culture, and using beer as a vehicle to join different ideals with different cultures—highlighting the harmonies that are discovered as they relate to gender, race, class and environmental sustainability.
