Interview with Courtney Emery, February 22, 2022

Interview Summary

Courtney Emery is the Human Resources Manager at Four Roses Distillery. In this interview she discusses her early transition from high school to Western Kentucky University through the Carol Martin Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science. She also details her journey from working in HR at Toys ‘R’ Us while attending the University of Kentucky to her current position at Four Roses. Along with sharing the changes she has instituted at Four Roses, Courtney explains how she manages using her identity to acknowledge necessary changes without being the sole laborer of diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives when she is the only Black woman in a management position. Courtney also draws from her history in HR and expertise as a Career Coach to offer advice on navigating the interview process.

Interview Keyword

Black Women in Bourbon Four Roses Distillery Jim Beam Career Coaching Mentorship The Crown Act Western Kentucky University

Interview Rights

All rights to the interviews, including but not restricted to legal title, copyrights and literary property rights, have been transferred to the University of Kentucky Libraries.

Interview Usage

Interviews may only be reproduced with permission from Louie B. Nunn Center for Oral History, University of Kentucky Libraries.