About WeRise Founder Jamila Conley
Meet Jamila Conley, the founder of WeRise Wines, a new concept in wine and a movement dedicated to amplifying the voices of underrepresented winemakers and reshaping perceptions of the wine industry. With a rich career spanning over 25 years in executive roles across technology, business transformation, and strategic leadership, Jamila has now channeled her passion for wine, social justice, and impactful leadership into creating a unique space that celebrates diversity, inclusivity, liberation, and success for all.
Jamila’s journey to founding WeRise Wines was driven by a desire to lead a company that aligns with her professional expertise and values. Her deep-seated commitment to elevating women, people of color, and the LGBTQ+ community has been a consistent theme throughout her career, reflected in her active involvement in various boards and initiatives aimed at fostering diversity and mentorship. From serving as the Technology Access Foundation Board President to participating in the Black Boardroom Initiative, her efforts have continuously sought to break barriers and create opportunities for those often overlooked.
At WeRise Wines, Jamila Conley leverages her extensive business and technology expertise to create a welcoming, richly informative, and inclusive environment. Her vision for WeRise Wines extends far beyond its initial outpost, aiming to revolutionize the wine industry’s accessibility and appeal to diverse markets. Envisioning WeRise as a catalyst for industry-wide change, she plans for further expansions and programs designed to spotlight emerging winemakers, offering them a platform to build and scale their brand within a more diverse consumer base. This digital extension aims to deepen customer engagement through tailored wine education and immersive storytelling, making the world of wine not just more accessible but also more interactive and personal, ensuring that everyone feels welcomed and valued.
Jamila envisions an ecosystem where education flows both ways – empowering winemakers with the tools and visibility they need to succeed while dismantling the exclusivity that has alienated many from the world of wine. She aspires to cultivate an environment where wine is seen as a universal pleasure, accessible to all, regardless of their prior knowledge or experience.
Under Jamila’s leadership, WeRise Wines is not just a business; it’s a mission-driven endeavor to bridge communities, celebrate diversity, and redefine the wine industry for the better. With an eye toward future growth, a curious spirit, and a heart grounded in community, Jamila Conley is not only a trailblazer in the wine world but a steadfast advocate for inclusion and empowerment, inspiring us all with her vision and dedication.