Crystal Angela Dawana

Crystal Dawana began working in the restaurant industry after graduating college. She began working front of house positions, but quickly realized her dream was to become a chef and her journey began in the kitchen from that point on. During her time working at La Posta, an Italian restaurant in Santa Cruz, her love for wine grew alongside her passion for food. Crystal majored in Business Management Economics and Feminist Studies at UCSC and knew there is change to be made in the restaurant and wine industries. Additionally, she realized that chefs are moving away from their traditional role as wine buyers and wants to revive that connection between food and wine. Moving forward, she is going to prepare to take the Court of Master Sommeliers’ Introductory Course with hopes of becoming a Master Sommelier.

“I am extremely grateful to receive the Fuel Your Dreams award from the Women of the Vine & Spirits Foundation. This award means that I am actually able to fulfill my dream of becoming a Sommelier and I cannot wait to start my journey into the world of wine. As a queer Filipina immigrant, I hope to take my space in the industry and make it more accessible for other women and people of color.”