Alisa Bowens-Mercado

Alisa Bowens-Mercado
Occupation(s)	Brewer, businesswoman
Known for	Founder and proprietor of Rhythm Brewing Co., Connecticut's first brewery owned by a Black woman

Alisa Bowens-Mercado is the founder and proprietor of Rhythm Brewing Co., recognized as Connecticut's first brewery owned by a Black woman. Prior to her career in brewing, she dedicated 12 years to her family’s construction enterprise and subsequently established a dance studio named Alisa’s House of Salsa located in Westville, New Haven.

Rhythm Brewing Co., established in 2018, has developed a dedicated following known as "The Rhythm Nation." In 2021, Bowens-Mercado appeared in the documentary One Pint at a Time, which featured prominent brewers and industry leaders. That same year, she partnered with Samuel Adams to introduce "Up Tempo," a sparkling lager. Additionally, she secured funding through the Women's Business Development Council's Equity Match Grant Program, facilitating the creation of a new taproom. Bowens-Mercado actively participates in community initiatives, including speaking engagements such as the New Haven Museum's “Founders Chat: The Rhythm of Work,” held in collaboration with the International Festival of Arts & Ideas.

In March 2022, she joined forces with fellow female brewers to produce Bombshell IPA, with proceeds supporting the CT Pink Boots Society Scholarship for Women in Brewing at Sacred Heart University. Later that year, Bowens-Mercado and Rhythm Brewing Co. were selected as finalists for the Samuel Adams Brewer Experienceship, a nationwide mentorship opportunity designed for brewing entrepreneurs.