Maryam Ahmed is a food and wine entrepreneur based in Napa, CA. She specializes in community activation, strategic programs, and project management for food and wine brands with a demonstrated commitment to diversity and sustainability. Prior to launching Maryam + Company, she was the director of public programs for the Culinary Institute of America in California for nearly five years. Most often, her work takes place at the intersection of chefs, sommeliers, activists, sustainability experts, creatives, and organizations focused on diversity and equitable access within their communities. In addition to her consulting firm, she is the creator of the biannual Diversity in Wine Leadership Forum (co-founded with Elaine Chukan Brown), a cast member on SOMM TV, and a partner in PLAYTE Kitchen.