The Art of Gathering: Wine, Memory & Black Belonging with Stephanie Browne

Stephanie Browne recently joined Dr. Yndia Lorick-Wilmot on the Belonging to Blackness podcast for a thoughtful conversation exploring the intersection of leadership, hospitality, culture, and connection.

In Season 7, Episode 067, Stephanie shares how her journey, from more than three decades in Human Resources and DEI leadership at Blue Cross Blue Shield to becoming the founder of Sipping Sense and Divas Uncorked, has been deeply rooted in creating spaces where people feel seen, welcomed, and celebrated.

The conversation explores how food, wine, and intentional gatherings can become meaningful expressions of identity, confidence, memory, and belonging within African-descended communities.

Together, Stephanie and Dr. Yndia discuss:

• The evolving landscape of wine culture

• Representation and inclusion in the wine industry

• The inspiration behind Sipping Sense: Uncorking the Flavors of Wine, Entertaining and Healthy Cooking

• Why hospitality is about more than entertaining—it’s about creating connection

• How cultural storytelling shapes the way we gather, celebrate, and engage with one another

Throughout the episode, Stephanie reflects on how leadership, hospitality, and human connection often intersect in powerful ways—both personally and professionally.

This thoughtful conversation is both inspiring and affirming, reminding listeners that gathering around a table can be an act of joy, heritage, relationship-building, and community.

🎧 Listen to the episode: Listen on Apple Podcasts

You can also listen through the Belonging to Blackness podcast platform and wherever podcasts are streamed.

About Belonging to Blackness

Hosted by Dr. Yndia Lorick-Wilmot, Belonging to Blackness explores the lived experiences, stories, and perspectives of Black communities through thoughtful and culturally grounded conversations.

Production credit: @MasaukoMusic

Episode Sponsored by @GiveBlackAlliance

Follow on Instagram: @BelongingToBlackness_Podcast @ProfYndia

Follow Sipping Sense at @Sipping_Sense