The CapStone Initiative Group occupies the vital intersection of corporate excellence and strategic philanthropy.

“We identify and honor exceptional leadership through exclusive platforms that celebrate outstanding achievements. Through these opportunities, we thoughtfully generate substantial funding and awareness for impactful nonprofits and charitable organizations.

“We are dedicated to bridging the corporate and nonprofit worlds, ensuring that recognized success directly powers community goals.”

Natasha Swords, Managing Director,

Capstone Initiative Group

Natasha@AwardsPanel.com

September 5th, 2026,

The Conservatory

@ One Sansome, San Francisco

Visionary Leadership Award Presented to Kim Tsujimoto, Spirits Senior Category, BevMo! Gopuff

Redefining the Retail Experience in Modern Spirits

Kim Tsujimoto doesn’t just manage inventory; she curates the modern consumer’s palate. As the Spirits Senior Category Manager at BevMo! Gopuff, Kim has transformed the traditional retail shelf from a static point of purchase into a dynamic landscape of discovery. She has proven that true category leadership in the alcohol space goes far beyond moving cases—it requires bold vision and an innate understanding of how people actually want to drink.

A master of anticipating the market, Kim consistently stays ahead of the cultural curve. She has an uncanny ability to spot the spark before it becomes a wildfire. Whether it’s championing the rise of amari and complex bitter liqueurs for the ambitious home bartender, or elevating craft expressions on a massive scale, she doesn't just react to trends; she sets them in motion. Her work educates buyers, challenges their comfort zones, and guides them toward more adventurous, elevated choices.

More importantly, Kim bridges the vital gap between the distiller’s intricate craft and the consumer’s glass. In an industry historically bound by rigid distribution systems, her approach humanizes the shelf. She ensures that the brands she champions are positioned not merely as commodities, but as authentic stories and experiences waiting to be uncorked.

Her relentless drive to elevate retail standards, engage new demographics, and relentlessly advocate for quality makes her a true trailblazer. It is this exact forward-thinking impact—the ability to connect exceptional spirits with the people eager to discover them—that cements Kim Tsujimoto as a defining voice and a visionary leader in the beverage industry today.

Our Team

Fiona Engstad

Strategic Partnerships Liaison

As the Non-Profit Liaison for the Capstone Initiative Group, Fiona Engstad bridges the organization and the philanthropic sector by spearheading charitable outreach and cultivating strategic partnerships.

Through the coordination of complex initiatives and transparent communication, she ensures Capstone's resources are deployed effectively to drive meaningful, sustained community impact.

Fiona@AwardsPanel.com

Event Communications Lead

Sofia Kirsten

Sofia Kirsten manages essential communications across attendees, sponsors, presenters, and awardees, keeping all moving parts perfectly aligned.

Her active coordination streamlines operations, ensuring the event runs smoothly while maximizing the overall experience for everyone involved. She is the logistical cog that keeps the wheels moving.

Sofia@AwardsPanel.com

Advisory Board

Jim Moeller

Meridith May

Michael Marshall

Brandon Bartlett