Since its founding in 2011, Speed Rack has been redefining what’s possible at the intersection of competition, community, and philanthropy. What began as a bold response to a simple yet persistent industry refrain—“I don’t know any women bartenders”—has grown into a global movement that elevates femme-identifying bartenders while advancing critical breast cancer research through its longstanding partnership with The Pink Agenda (TPA).
At its core, Speed Rack was built on visibility and opportunity. Co-founders Lynnette Marrero and Ivy Mix set out to prove what they already knew to be true: extraordinary femme bartenders exist everywhere, and they deserve the spotlight. Fifteen years later, Speed Rack is not only a prestigious cocktail competition, but also a deeply supportive international network that champions mentorship, inclusion, and social impact.
A Natural Alignment with Breast Cancer Philanthropy
From the earliest days of Speed Rack, breast cancer philanthropy was woven into the fabric of the competition. In an industry and community centered around femmes, the connection was both personal and unavoidable. Nearly everyone involved—competitors, volunteers, organizers—has been touched by breast cancer in some way, whether through family, friends, or personal experience. Several Speed Rack competitors themselves have faced breast cancer, while many others compete in honor of loved ones.
That shared reality made the partnership with The Pink Agenda a natural and meaningful fit. Over the past decade, Speed Rack has raised more than $470,000 in support of TPA’s mission to fund innovative breast cancer research and expand education and awareness for young women.
“Not all breast cancer organizations are created equal,” the Speed Rack team reflects. “It’s important that we align not only on the cause, but on values.” Community, diversity, inclusion, mentorship, and measurable impact are core to both organizations—making the partnership not just effective but deeply aligned.
From Competition to Movement
“The moment Speed Rack became “more than a competition” came surprisingly early. At its very first event, the judging panel alone signaled the gravity of what was unfolding. Industry titans such as Julie Reiner—co-owner of the world-renowned Clover Club and Leyenda; Audrey Saunders, the visionary force behind the legendary Pegu Club; Dale DeGroff, widely known as the “King of Cocktails” and author of The Craft of the Cocktail; and respected food and drink writer Jordana Rothman brought instant credibility, history, and influence to the room. These were the architects of modern cocktail culture—and they showed up.
Midway through the night, the founders realized they were witnessing the beginning of something far larger than they had imagined. The energy was undeniable, not just because of the competition itself, but because the industry’s most respected voices were bearing witness and lending their support.
Over time, that spark evolved into a global community defined less by rivalry and more by collective uplift. While Speed Rack remains fiercely competitive, what stands out today is the camaraderie: competitors celebrating one another’s success, volunteers returning year after year, and alumni committed to mentoring the next generation.
That cultural shift—from “I have to win” to “we rise together”—has become one of Speed Rack’s most powerful and enduring legacies.
Shaping Careers and Changing Perceptions
Beyond fundraising, Speed Rack has played a significant role in reshaping perceptions of femmes in the spirits industry. The competition creates a rare environment where excellence and mutual support coexist challenging outdated assumptions about competition among women and femme-identifying professionals.
Speed Rack has also become a career accelerator. Bar owners, beverage directors, and brand leaders attend events specifically to scout talent, recognizing competitors as highly skilled professionals and future leaders. In regions traditionally dominated by men, the competition has prompted a cultural shift—asking those who have long held the spotlight to step back, make room, and actively support change.
Today’s competitors carry that mission forward. Current Speed Rack winner Liv DeHainaut, for example, is using her platform to expand access to craft cocktail education and encourage bartenders from a wide range of venues to build sustainable, long-term careers in the industry.
A Partnership That Sets the Standard
Speed Rack’s experience with The Pink Agenda has also shaped how the organization approaches philanthropy more broadly. As Speed Rack expands into new U.S. cities and international markets, the team seeks nonprofit partners who mirror TPA’s commitment to integrity, inclusion, and real-world impact.
Receiving The Pink Agenda Icon Award at the 2023 Gala marked a particularly meaningful milestone in the partnership. While Speed Rack has been recognized within the food and beverage industry, being honored for its philanthropic impact—especially in such a personal and mission-driven context—was deeply significant. The moment was made even more powerful by an introduction from longtime friend and former colleague Cooper Cheatham, whose own connection to cancer underscored the shared purpose behind the work
Looking Ahead
As Speed Rack continues to grow—expanding into new cities, welcoming new generations of competitors, and raising even greater awareness and funding—the vision remains clear: to uplift womxn+ in the spirits industry while contributing meaningfully to a future where breast cancer research continues to advance.
When asked about their biggest wish for the future, the answer is simple and hopeful: that one day, organizations like Speed Rack and The Pink Agenda will no longer be needed at all.
Until then, this partnership stands as a powerful example of what’s possible when community, purpose, and values come together—creating lasting impact far beyond the bar.
Interested in learning more about Speed Rack and attending one of the Season 14 live events taking place nationwide (Washington DC, Denver, Chicago, New York City, Boston, Seattle, and New Orleans), click here.