This article is developed in collaboration with Canada’s 2SLGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce and is part of Interac Pride Season initiatives where we celebrate, recognize, and bring visibility to queer small businesses from across Canada.
Ren Navarro’s journey from finance to advocacy is a testament to the power of diversity, resilience, and community. In 2018, she founded Beer. Diversity. Group, an initiative aimed at fostering open conversations about inclusion within the craft beer industry. By 2023, this initiative evolved into B. Diversity Group, which aims to create safer spaces for honest dialogue and to support meaningful change across multiple sectors. Through public speaking and consulting services, Ren facilitates these crucial conversations and drives impactful change, extending her reach beyond the beer world to various other industries.
From Finance to Advocacy
Ren’s path to founding B. Diversity. was anything but straightforward. With an academic background in English and a long stint in finance, Navarro’s interest in craft beer began to spark in her thirties, a late start by industry standards. Her curiosity about the field drove her to attend events and network with other professionals, which eventually led her to securing a role as a sales representative in the craft beer industry. It wasn’t long before Ren stood out, not just for her expertise, but for her unique identity as a Black queer woman in a predominantly homogenous industry.
Navarro recalls the frequent questions about her experiences from friends and colleagues, highlighting the lack of diversity she observed. “People would always ask, ‘What’s it like being a Black queer woman selling craft beer in Ontario?'” This realization that she often stood alone in such spaces fueled her determination to tackle the issue of representation head-on.
The turning point came when Navarro conducted a public session with a Black farm owner who felt marginalized in her community. Helping the owner educate colleagues and drive change was an eye-opening experience for Navarro, leading her to recognize her calling in promoting diversity and inclusion. She established Beer. Diversity. initially as a side project, but the overwhelming demand quickly turned it into a full-time commitment. ‘The company essentially came together in just two weeks,’ she reflects, highlighting the rapid evolution of her idea into a thriving business.
Building Community and Navigating Challenges
Ren’s roots in Toronto and her connections to the city’s 2SLGBTQ+ scene has been instrumental in her work. Through her involvement with Canada’s 2SLGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce (CGLCC), she has built strong ties with other queer business owners, fostering a supportive network. Ren emphasizes the importance of being “unapologetically me,” aiming to show youth and others that they can succeed regardless of their identity.
Despite the support, Ren faced many challenges throughout her journey, including online trolls and skepticism about the type of work she was doing. Additionally, expanding B. Diversity. into non-alcoholic spheres while maintaining its core mission posed significant obstacles. However, her commitment to her values and her ability to educate and influence change have been key to overcoming these hurdles. “Part of the challenge is that it’s just me,” she admits, constantly striving to stay ahead and keep her business thriving.
Embracing Interac Payment Solutions and Future Aspirations
Interac solutions have been crucial in managing Ren’s operations, especially given the virtual nature of the work. “I’m not having to wait for cheques or deal with long payment processing times,” she notes, appreciating the efficiency and convenience that Interac products bring to her business.
Looking ahead, Ren envisions B. Diversity. expanding into educational roles and partnering with larger corporations, while maintaining a foothold in the alcohol industry. Collaborations with breweries have highlighted the transformative power of small changes, such as introducing pronoun pins and cultivating inclusive environments. Ren reflects, “when things are really bad in the world, my job is good,” highlighting the increased demand for education and change during challenging times.
Her ultimate aspiration is to enhance representation of underrepresented groups across all industry levels, advocating for non-alcoholic options that cater to diverse preferences beyond sobriety. “The more inclusive your space, the greater your potential,” she asserts, emphasizing the long-term value of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts.
Ren’s message resonates clearly: “It’s not hard to work on being inclusive.” She encourages businesses to broaden their diversity, understanding and actively support their communities. “Expand your scope; it’s really easy to be a good person and help the people around you,” she concludes.
Ren Navarro’s journey with B. Diversity. exemplifies how commitment to diversity and inclusion can revolutionize industries and nurture a more inclusive society. Her ongoing work inspires and educates communities, paving the way for enduring change, one conversation at a time.
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