founders

Alicia Towns Franken

Alicia
Towns Franken

  • Began her career as the Wine Director for Boston’s famed Grill 23 & Bar, where she worked for many year to build one of the city’s most respected wine programs. During her tenure as Wine Director, she earned numerous accolades from organizations and magazines including Boston Magazine, The Boston Globe, Les Dames d’Escoffier and Wine Spectator.

  • Ultimately, though, Alicia’s passion for building community, working to champion a more diverse wine industry, and innate talent for mentoring young wine professionals led her to take on the role of Executive Director for Wine Unify, an organization whose mission is to welcome, elevate, and amplify the voices of underrepresented minorities in the wine industry.

  • As a champion for diversity in the wine industry, she actively advocates for greater representation and inclusivity. Alicia is fostering a more equitable and welcoming environment, creating opportunities for underrepresented voices and celebrating the diversity of cultures and experiences that enrich the world of wine.

Follow Alicia on IG @aliciatownsfranken

A headshot of Michael Franken outside, in a blue button up ginham shirt

Michael Franken

  • Michael is a distinguished biotech executive with a passion for driving innovation and transformative advancements in the field of biotechnology. Trained in medicine and with a strong track record of business success, he has been at the forefront of pioneering research and development initiatives that have shaped the future of healthcare and biomedicine.

  • Michael has held key leadership positions in prominent biotech companies, spearheading groundbreaking projects and strategic collaborations that have accelerated the discovery and delivery of life-changing therapies. His dedication to scientific excellence and patient-centricity is the driving force behind shaping the future of medicine and bringing hope to patients around the world.

  • Beyond his professional accomplishments, Michael remains deeply committed to fostering a collaborative ecosystem, nurturing emerging talent, and promoting diversity in biotechnology and works to inspire a new generation of scientists and entrepreneurs to make a positive impact on human health and well-being.