International Women's Coffee Alliance

International Women’s Coffee Alliance Launches New Vital Impact Fund to Support Global Coffee Communities The IWCA proudly announces the launch of the Vital Impact Fund, a strategic initiative designed to address the urgent needs within the global coffee community. This new fund, overseen by IWCA's Executive Director Blanca Maria Castro, focuses on empowering women by connecting them with essential resources such as education, financial literacy, and leadership development. The fund was initiated by IWCA co-founder Melissa Pugash, who chose to celebrate her birthday by rallying support for this transformative cause. “This initiative reflects our deep commitment to empowering women at every level of the coffee value chain,” stated Beth Spong, IWCA Board member and Development Committee Chair. Since its inception in 2003, IWCA has actively worked to mitigate challenges such as climate change, market instability, and gender disparities that disproportionately affect women in the coffee sector. The Vital Impact Fund is poised to enhance these efforts, providing targeted support to improve the livelihoods and working conditions of women in coffee-producing regions. “We are excited about the potential of the Vital Impact Fund to make a significant impact,” said Castro. “We encourage our global community to support this cause, helping to extend our reach and deepen our impact across coffee communities worldwide.” To learn more about the Vital Impact Fund and to make a contribution, please visit https://lnkd.in/giAUXCFM #IWCA #VitalImpactFund #WomenInCoffee #Empowerment #Sustainability

🌟 Attention IWCA Members! 🌟 Get ready to participate in the prestigious Cup of Excellence auctions Cup of Excellence / Alliance for Coffee Excellence, Inc. (ACE). This is a fantastic opportunity to buy coffee from women producers and connect with IWCA Members. Don't miss out on these upcoming dates: 🇸🇻 El Salvador: July 18, 2024 🇬🇹 Guatemala: July 30, 2024 🇲🇽 Mexico: August 13, 2024 🇪🇹 Ethiopia: August 27, 2024 🇨🇴 Colombia: TBD 🇵🇪 Perú: December 3, 2024 🇧🇷 Brazil: December 10, 2024 If you're interested in registering for any of the upcoming auctions, please email Kathia Lopez at [email protected]. #IWCAGlobal #cupofexcellence #womenincoffee #COE #strongwomenstrongcoffee

📢 Empowering Women in the Coffee Industry: Register for Free Webinar! ☕🌟 IWCA is thrilled to host a webinar with representatives from Fondazione Ernesto Illy, focusing on women empowerment and professional development in the coffee industry. Learn about their financial aid program offering total and partial scholarships to deserving graduates from coffee-producing countries. 📅 Date: Friday, June 14th 🕒 Time: 9:30 AM CST (Guatemala Time) Key Highlights and Speakers: Presenter: Isabella Modde - Manager of the Master in Coffee Economics and Science, providing detailed information about the master’s program, including requirements, the application process, and its unique benefits. Guest 1: Orietta Lucia Alvarenga Pinto from Honduras, sharing her journey and professional advancements. Guest 2: Leslie Nanne Lippmann from Guatemala, offering insights into her ongoing experience and the support received through the program. Moderator: Orieta C. Pinto Valladares, Regional Coordinator of Latin America and the Caribbean, facilitating the discussion and providing context on the role of women in the coffee industry. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights and discover exciting scholarship opportunities! 🌍🎓 🔗 Register Here: WomenInCoffee.org/Illy #WomenInCoffee #Empowerment #ProfessionalDevelopment #CoffeeIndustry #Scholarships #IWCA #FondazioneErnestoIlly

We are thrilled to have welcomed three exceptional leaders to the IWCA Board of Directors over the last several months: Shelby Colley, Beth Spong, and Pacita Juan. Each brings a wealth of expertise and a deep commitment to the coffee industry, enhancing our mission to empower women throughout the coffee value chain. Shelby’s innovative marketing strategies, Beth’s experience in organizational development and social justice, and Chit’s global perspective and advocacy for sustainability will drive our strategic growth and impact. Join us in welcoming these inspiring women to our team! https://lnkd.in/gMwbiefQ #Leadership #IWCA #WomenInCoffee #iwcaglobal

We are proud to announce the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Rainforest Alliance and IWCA Global. This partnership is a significant step towards advancing sustainability and supporting coffee farmers, who are the vital heart of each cup of coffee we enjoy. Through this collaboration, we aim to empower everyone along the coffee value chain with the knowledge and resources needed to promote the health of our planet. By working together, we can ensure that farmers are supported, sustainable practices are implemented, and the entire coffee community thrives. Support farmers. Participate in sustainability. Together, we can make a lasting impact. Stay tuned for more updates on our joint initiatives and upcoming projects.

🌟 Standing hand in hand with @CaribouCoffee, we're honored to announce our collaboration to carry on the legacy of Caribou’s original Roastmaster, Amy Erickson! 🌍 Through the sale of Amy's Blend, Caribou Coffee generously supports the IWCA and our 34 Global Chapters of women throughout the coffee value chain. Your purchase is more than high-quality crafted coffee—it's a beacon of empowerment and sustainability. Join us as we pave the way for positive change! #STRONGWOMENSTRONGCOFFEE #SustainableCommunities #CoffeeWithPurpose 🔗 Learn more on Caribou Coffee’s website.

🌟 Join us at SCA 2024 in Chicago and show your support for Women in Coffee! 🌟 👉 Stop by our booth at Booth 2123 to learn more about our mission and how you can get involved. 🎟️ Don't miss out on the IWCA Breakfast featuring keynote speaker Jennifer "Vern" Long, CEO of World Coffee Research. Get your tickets now before they sell out! Saturday April 13, 8:00 AM - 9:30 AM. ☕️ Attend the Cupping Session! Final time/room details TBD - Stay tuned! 👩🔬 Join the panel discussion: Women in Coffee Project Presents - Celebrate Women in Coffee, then ask: Where’s the Data? where we'll celebrate the progress of women in the coffee industry over the past two decades. Hear success stories and learn about the importance of gender data in advancing our industry's goals for equitable value distribution. Sunday, April 14, 2024, from 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM in Room S401D. See you there! ☕ #WomenInCoffee #SCA2024 #StrongWomenStrongCoffee 

🌟 Join us at SCA 2024 in Chicago and show your support for Women in Coffee! 🌟 👉 Stop by our booth at Booth 2123 to learn more about our mission and how you can get involved. 🎟️ Don't miss out on the IWCA Breakfast featuring keynote speaker Jennifer "Vern" Long, CEO of World Coffee Research. Get your tickets now before they sell out! Saturday April 13, 8:00 AM - 9:30 AM. ☕️ Attend the Cupping Session! Final time/room details TBD - Stay tuned! 👩🔬 Join the panel discussion: Women in Coffee Project Presents - Celebrate Women in Coffee, then ask: Where’s the Data? where we'll celebrate the progress of women in the coffee industry over the past two decades. Hear success stories and learn about the importance of gender data in advancing our industry's goals for equitable value distribution. Sunday, April 14, 2024, from 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM in Room S401D. See you there! ☕ #WomenInCoffee #SCA2024 #StrongWomenStrongCoffee 

We are looking forward to seeing everyone in Chicago!

The invaluable contributions to the recent IWCA Luncheon held during the National Coffee Association USA Convention is on top of my thoughts lately. Your presence, support, and active participation made the event truly exceptional, and I am profoundly grateful for your sincere and genuine commitment to our mission in supporting the empowerment of women in the coffee industry. First and foremost, I would like to extend my sincere thanks to the National Coffee Association for graciously hosting the luncheon and providing us with the platform to share our vision and initiatives. Your generosity and support have been instrumental in making this event possible, and we are incredibly grateful for your continued partnership. Also, thanks to their dedicated staff for their outstanding hospitality and assistance in organizing the luncheon ensured that everything ran smoothly, and we are grateful for your professionalism and attention to detail. A special thank you is also due to the US Women In Coffee Association Chapter for their meticulous planning and coordination of the event. Your dedication and tireless efforts were instrumental in making the luncheon a resounding success, and we are deeply grateful for being part of the IWCA Community. I would also like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to our esteemed speakers, William Murray, Sharon Riechers, and Vanusia Nogueira, for their insightful contributions and participation in the presentation. Your expertise and understanding to our cause are truly inspiring, and we are grateful for your continued support. Lastly, I want to express my heartfelt appreciation to each and every one of you for your unwavering support of our mission and your interest in ensuring a continued success of IWCA. Your commitment to support the empowerment of women, families, and communities throughout the coffee value chain is truly commendable, and we are honored to have you as part of our IWCA family. Looking ahead, we eagerly anticipate the opportunity to reconnect with you at next year's event in Houston. Until then, please know that your presence and support are deeply appreciated and valued.  Together, we are making a meaningful difference in the lives of women in the coffee industry.  On behalf of all women in coffee, their families and communities, I am deeply grateful for your partnership as we continue to pave the way for a brighter future. Warm regards, Blanca Castro Executive Director International Women's Coffee Alliance (IWCA)