Getting into this really is a passion

I feel it in my heart of hearts that people are going to actually now do the right thing and see Black businesses and see Black lives for what we truly are. We are some resilient people and we run companies just like everyone else.

"Alisa is dedicated to mentoring and paying it forward to entrepreneurs, her motto is to build more tables to pull up more seats."

After realizing the lack of Black-owned craft lagers on the market. What did she do about it? She created her own.

We’re passionate about the brand and we’re passionate about our journey, so any time we have the opportunity to share our beer and our backstory, that’s what we do as a company

Bowens-Mercado and her New Haven brewery “really stood out around just the work that they do around the community.

When you taste our Rhythm beers, you’re not only just tasting a great-tasting beer, you’re sipping on history.

New Haven-based Rhythm Brewing Co. and its founder, Alisa Bowens-Mercado, are among five finalists for the annual Samuel Adams Brewer Experienceship, which provides a yearlong mentorship to brewing entrepreneurs nationwide.

Rhythm Brewing hosts all types of events – including Rhythm and BBQ and dance events – inviting people to “Find your Rhythm in Life.”

The goal and the mission is to inspire and encourage other women to get into the beer industry.

I hope this opens doors for females, No. 1, and people of color, so that we can diversify the industry.

We're letting folks know, 'Don't underestimate women in the industry.

It’s bigger than me and a can of beer or US and a can of beer, its really about the movement and opening doors for women.

If you are a female interested in brewing beer, the time is now and we are jumpstarting it with this collaboration.

You can never know too much about brewing. This program will facilitate the next brewers in the country.

Local brewers pushing to continue breaking stereotypes when it comes to the brewing industry.

My motto is ‘live, love, lager,’ ” says Bowens-Mercado, whose nickname is Lady Lager.

Who goes from dancing salsa to brewing beer?" SHE DOES

My hope is to leave a legacy that changes the world and the beer industry, one sip at a time.

We are on a superb mission in the beer industry to produce the finest quality beers that will inspire people to find their Rhythm in life.

“This business needs more women,”

In addition to being the first Black woman brewer in Connecticut, Bowens-Mercado may be the first Black woman to appear on a can of beer.

We need to open door in industries that are grossing approximately $114 billion annually,” she said. “I’m on a mission to change the face of craft beer.

"...whose life took several turns from having founded a dance school to being the first black woman brewer in the state."

When I started seeing people I have never met before posting things and tagging 'Black-owned' and 'buy Black,' it brings a tear to your eye. People are in this with us together

We’re collectively getting together, and there’s an awareness in the country that wasn’t here before.

“When you’re doing something right, you’re undoubtedly going to get pushback,”

“I’m diversifying the tastes of America,”