UC Davis Tapping Potential Scholarship Spotlight: Nadhine França

In 2017, Nadhine França left a stable career in the IT industry for the opportunity to make a name for herself in craft beer–and she did just that. Only three years later, she would become the first woman president of Abracerva, the Brazilian Craft Beer Association. As a beer sommelier and brewer, she was involved in many aspects of the brewing industry in her native Brazil, including beer production, organizing events, judging beer competitions, bar service, education and opening the door for homebrewers to become professionals. She was a well-known name with an established network in the Brazilian craft beer scene.

Now, she lives in Budapest and is looking to reestablish herself. As a winner of the 2022 UC Davis Tapping Potential Scholarship for the online Beer Quality Series at UC Davis Continuing and Professional Education, França is getting the education she needs to succeed abroad.

It's not easy not to fit in; it's not easy not to be accepted. But being in this place means making a difference, bringing representation, and most importantly, being the engine of these changes. This motivates me.”

How did your love of brewing begin?

My love of brewing began in the women's sisterhood Maria Bonita, a group of women who studied and produced beer together. As time passed, I became more accomplished and my passion for beer only grew stronger.

What motivated you to apply for the UC Davis Tapping Potential Scholarship?

No matter how difficult it may be, the feeling of being able to make a difference motivates me. Despite the imposed social limits of belonging in this sector, nothing was enough to stop me from taking up more and more space in the craft beer market in Brazil and bringing along with me other representatives of socio-economic minorities. When looking to foster innovation and expand the reach of craft beer, there must be a discussion of greater inclusion, and knowledge is the key to guiding that discussion.

What are your brewing goals and how will this scholarship help you achieve them?

Today, living outside the country where I built my career, I am starting step-by-step to reestablish my network and reaffirm myself in the sector. Having access to this knowledge from a solid, international institution like UC Davis will increase my chances of being recognized outside Brazil.

How do you help to inspire diversity, leadership, and cross-cultural understanding in the brewing industry?

I started my story in this industry with the creation of the women's sisterhood in my state, aiming to promote greater inclusion and equality with practical actions that make a difference to this day. During my management at Abracerva, we implemented a Code of Ethics to promote better market positioning, in addition to encouraging inclusion, diversity and equity in the sector. I believe that the beer market can be connected and with purpose, this vision guides my steps.

What has motivated you to overcome the challenges of not fitting the “brewing standard”?

It's not easy not to fit in; it's not easy not to be accepted. But being in this place means making a difference, bringing representation, and most importantly, being the engine of these changes. This motivates me.

What advice would you give to someone who may not see themselves represented in the industry but would like to pursue a career in brewing?

There are some people and institutes who think differently from the status quo and promote change—UC Davis has done that. My advice is to approach these groups and believe that we must grow together.

What are you most looking forward to about starting the online Brewing Quality Series?

I hope to brush up on concepts, learn new things and practice my English technical vocabulary. With the completion of the series, I hope I will have a better chance to succeed in my new adventure.

For more information on UC Davis Tapping Potential or how to support the campaign, contact Jonathan Hughes.