Meet Emilio Perez, recipient of the 2024 Professional Certificate in the Business of Craft Beer Diversity Award.
Made possible by Coronado Brewing Company, the Craft Beer Diversity Award helps build a skilled generation of brewing professionals who demonstrate a commitment to diversity and inclusivity in the craft beer industry.
As this year’s recipient, Perez will receive full tuition towards completing the Professional Certificate in the Business of Craft Beer and also will have the opportunity to gain valuable hands-on experience through an internship with Coronado Brewing Company as a capstone to the program.
This opportunity is open to current or prospective students of the SDSU Global Campus Professional Certificate in the Business of Craft Beer program who are at least 21 years old.
Submissions for the 2025 award will open in September.
We asked Perez, a 2024 graduate of the Fowler College of Business who majored in marketing, about his professional plans once he has completed the craft beer certificate program.
1: What attracted you to pursue a career in the craft beer industry?
“I’m drawn to the craft beer industry by the fusion of creativity and entrepreneurship,” Perez said. “Craft breweries, with their emphasis on unique flavors and innovative brewing techniques, symbolize a dynamic and ever-evolving market. I see an opportunity not only to be part of a community that values craftsmanship but also to contribute to the industry’s growth through strategic marketing.”
2: What is your career dream?
As part of my long-term vision, I aspire to become an entrepreneur, launching and marketing my businesses, combining academic foundations with hands-on experience,” Perez said. “Ultimately, my career dream is to make a meaningful impact in the field of marketing, both within a corporate enforcement through my ventures by crafting compelling brand narratives and connecting with diverse audiences.”
3: How do you plan to use this education to advance diversity in the craft beer industry?
“The Professional Certificate in the Business of Craft Beer Program is an ideal platform to not only expand but also provide and share my knowledge and skills,” Perez said. “I plan to leverage this experience to drive initiatives within the brewing industry that champion diversity and inclusivity. From marketing campaigns that celebrate cultural diversity to advocating for inclusive hiring practices, my goal is to be a catalyst for positive change. I envision contributing not only to the success of breweries but also to a more inclusive and equitable workforce within the craft beer community.”
4: Where do you see yourself in five years?
“In the next five years, I see myself excelling in a dynamic marketing role, applying the skills honed during my undergraduate studies at SDSU,” he said. “I’m eager to contribute to innovative campaigns, blending traditional and digital strategies. Whether in a corporate setting or as an entrepreneur, I aspire to be a driving force in crafting compelling brand narratives and making a meaningful impact in the marketing field.”
