IWCA Celebrates 15 Years of Empowering Women Coffee Producers at SCA Expo
The International Women’s Coffee Alliance (IWCA) will celebrate the organisation’s 15th anniversary during its Annual Breakfast held during the Specialty Coffee Association’s Expo in Seattle, Washington on 21 April. During the celebratory breakfast, a commemorative IWCA anniversary logo will be unveiled to commemorate the organisation’s work to support women across the global coffee industry.
The agenda for this year’s breakfast has been revised and will offer attendees the opportunity to more fully-engage in a two-way discussion with presenters and fellow members. Chapter leaders and women in coffee industry leadership roles will provide an overview of the year’s project successes while asking for input for how the organisation can continue to build a stronger, more unified and collaborative effort that will sustain women in coffee.
“Not only have we formed a tightknit organisation comprised of 22 women-led chapters stretched across the globe’s coffee-growing regions,” says Mery Santos, out-going IWCA president. “We also have committed time and resources to help women of the coffee industry create a more unified and sustainable community.”
Founded in 2003 by women from Costa Rica, Nicaragua and the United States, the IWCA has grown into a global network of women working in all aspects of the industry who are connected by a commitment to women coffee producers. Members work to provide access to financial support, resources and information women producers need to maintain a respectable standard of living.
“During the breakfast meeting, we will also unveil our plan for ongoing support of women producers – and highlighting the resources it will require,” says Santos. “It will include a ‘call to action’ for our members to join in curbing gender inequality as women in the industry seek a sustainable living in what can be a volatile and risky market. All proceeds from our breakfast will support the IWCA global organisation in service to our global chapter network.”
The breakfast is open to IWCA and Specialty Coffee Association members at the Washington State Convention Center on Saturday, 21 April 21 from 7:30 – 9:00am. For additional information on the breakfast or to register, visit: http://coffeeexpo.org/registration-information/.
The International Women’s Coffee Alliance (IWCA) is a membership-based organization that leads women’s empowerment in the international coffee industry by supporting and growing a network of self-organised, self-governing, women-led chapters across the globe. Currently, the IWCA network includes 22 chapters. IWCA works to empower women in the international coffee community to achieve meaningful and sustainable lives – and to encourage and recognise women’s participation in all aspects of the coffee industry. To learn more about how to support IWCA events and programmes visit: http://www.womenincoffee.org/.