IWCA News & Updates

IWCA News & Updates

Upcoming Events

Upcoming Events

Now Available: IWCA 2024 Annual Report
Kirsten Nelson Kirsten Nelson

Now Available: IWCA 2024 Annual Report

2024 IWCA Annual Report Now Available
We’re proud to share the International Women’s Coffee Alliance 2024 Annual Report—celebrating a year of progress, partnerships, and the incredible impact of women across the global coffee industry. Inside, you’ll find powerful stories from our chapters, key milestones, and updates on our strategic growth. Thank you to our members, sponsors, and supporters for making this work possible.

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Welcome, IWCA Ecuador: A Powerful New Chapter Joins the IWCA Global Network
Kirsten Nelson Kirsten Nelson

Welcome, IWCA Ecuador: A Powerful New Chapter Joins the IWCA Global Network

We’re thrilled to welcome Ecuador as our newest official chapter of IWCA. Under the leadership of Gabriela Correa—a dynamic force in Ecuador’s coffee industry—IWCA Ecuador brings fresh momentum to our mission of empowering women throughout the coffee value chain. From origin to export, visibility to opportunity, this new chapter is already making waves.

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IWCA at the Women in Tea & Coffee Conference 2025 – Uniting Voices Across the Supply Chain
Kirsten Nelson Kirsten Nelson

IWCA at the Women in Tea & Coffee Conference 2025 – Uniting Voices Across the Supply Chain

IWCA was honored to participate in the inaugural Women in Tea & Coffee Conference in London, where Global Board Member Anke Erichsen joined leaders from both industries to spotlight the power of cross-sector collaboration. In a joint presentation with the International Women in Tea Association (IWTA), IWCA shared its mission to empower women across the coffee value chain and build inclusive, sustainable opportunities worldwide.

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Celebrating Women in Coffee: IWCA’s Impact at SCA 2025
Kirsten Nelson Kirsten Nelson

Celebrating Women in Coffee: IWCA’s Impact at SCA 2025

At SCA 2025, the IWCA Community Lounge became a vibrant hub of storytelling, connection, and collaboration. Over three days, we welcomed speakers, producers, artists, and coffee professionals from around the world to share knowledge, celebrate women’s leadership, and build momentum for a more equitable coffee industry. From daily storytelling sessions and technical presentations to our coffee tastings and art auction, the energy in the Lounge reflected the strength and diversity of our global network.

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IWCA at SCA 2025: Join Us in Houston!
Kirsten Nelson Kirsten Nelson

IWCA at SCA 2025: Join Us in Houston!

Join IWCA at SCA 2025 in Houston for a weekend of storytelling, connection, and global collaboration. From powerful panel discussions and sustainability workshops to our annual Quilt Auction and Saturday Breakfast Fundraiser, IWCA's events spotlight women’s leadership across coffee’s value chain. Visit us in the Community Lounge, Room 352A, and be part of the conversations shaping the future of coffee.
Get tickets, download the full schedule, and stay tuned for updates.

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Laying the Groundwork for IWCA Puerto Rico
Kirsten Nelson Kirsten Nelson

Laying the Groundwork for IWCA Puerto Rico

During her recent visit to Puerto Rico, IWCA Global President Sharon Reichers connected with local producers, explored the island’s dynamic coffee regions, and laid the groundwork for an exciting new chapter. With inspiring conversations, strong community spirit, and growing momentum, the path is taking shape for an IWCA Puerto Rico Chapter.

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Announcing the 2025 Cup of Excellence & National Winner Auction Calendar
Kirsten Nelson Kirsten Nelson

Announcing the 2025 Cup of Excellence & National Winner Auction Calendar

Explore the 2025 Cup of Excellence Auction Schedule
Get the full calendar of 2025 Cup of Excellence and National Winner auctions, including key dates for Nicaragua, Mexico, Honduras, Costa Rica, Guatemala, El Salvador, Thailand, Taiwan, Peru, and Brazil. Follow along as top coffees are recognized and women producers from IWCA chapters showcase their excellence on a global stage.

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Rooted in Resilience: How the Grafting Competition in Guatemala is Cultivating Climate-Smart Coffee—and Empowering Women
Kirsten Nelson Kirsten Nelson

Rooted in Resilience: How the Grafting Competition in Guatemala is Cultivating Climate-Smart Coffee—and Empowering Women

The National Grafting Competition in Guatemala is helping women coffee producers build resilience in the face of climate change. Thanks to support from Caribou Coffee’s Amy’s Blend, IWCA Guatemala expanded this empowering program—offering technical training, celebrating local expertise, and amplifying women’s leadership in coffee. Read how this unique initiative is growing more than just coffee.

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Empowering Women in Coffee: How Amy’s Blend Supports IWCA Chapters Worldwide
Kirsten Nelson Kirsten Nelson

Empowering Women in Coffee: How Amy’s Blend Supports IWCA Chapters Worldwide

Honoring Women in Coffee: Caribou Coffee & IWCA Partner for Impact

Amy’s Blend is more than just coffee—it’s a legacy. In honor of Caribou Coffee’s original roastmaster, Amy Erickson, this special blend supports women in coffee-growing communities. From March 6 – June 4, 2025, Caribou Coffee will donate $1 per bag sold (up to $50,000) to the International Women’s Coffee Alliance (IWCA), with funds directly benefiting women in Guatemala, Costa Rica, Ethiopia, and Kenya. Learn how this collaboration is making a difference and empowering women across the coffee value chain.

Read the full story and see how your purchase supports women in coffee.

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Empowering Women in Coffee at AFCA 2025
Kirsten Nelson Kirsten Nelson

Empowering Women in Coffee at AFCA 2025

Empowering Women in Coffee at AFCA 2025

The International Women’s Coffee Alliance (IWCA) was honored to participate in the AFCA 2025 Conference in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, where we connected with industry leaders, shared stories of resilience, and advanced conversations on gender equity in coffee. From engaging discussions at our IWCA booth to a powerful Breakfast Fundraiser, the event reinforced the importance of collaboration in driving meaningful change.

Read more about the inspiring moments, key takeaways, and how your support continues to fuel opportunities for women across the global coffee supply chain.

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Florence Encounter Recap: A Landmark Gathering for IWCA Consuming Country Chapters
Kirsten Nelson Kirsten Nelson

Florence Encounter Recap: A Landmark Gathering for IWCA Consuming Country Chapters

In January 2025, IWCA chapters from across the world gathered in Florence, Italy, for a transformative two-day event focused on collaboration, leadership, and strengthening women's roles in the coffee industry. Hosted at the Accademia del Caffè Espresso, the encounter featured thought-provoking discussions, chapter presentations, and hands-on workshops, fostering meaningful connections and actionable strategies for the future. This milestone event set the foundation for continued growth and global impact.

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A Journey Through Guatemala’s Coffee Heritage: IWCA Board Tour Recap
Kirsten Nelson Kirsten Nelson

A Journey Through Guatemala’s Coffee Heritage: IWCA Board Tour Recap

IWCA Board Meeting in Guatemala: Strengthening Our Global Vision

The IWCA Board gathered in Guatemala for a pivotal meeting focused on strategic growth, collaboration, and impact across our global network. From advancing fundraising initiatives to strengthening chapter support, this meeting reinforced our commitment to empowering women in coffee.

Read more about the key takeaways and how IWCA is shaping the future of the industry.

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Welcoming New Board Members
Kirsten Nelson Kirsten Nelson

Welcoming New Board Members

The International Women’s Coffee Alliance (IWCA) proudly welcomes four dynamic leaders to our Board of Directors! Their expertise in coffee marketing, sustainability, nonprofit leadership, and global advocacy will strengthen our mission to empower women across the coffee industry.

Meet Our New Board Members:

  • Anke Erichsen – Coffee marketing and branding expert, specializing in specialty coffee and sustainability.

  • Mbula Musau – Founder of Utake Coffee Limited, Q Instructor, and advocate for gender equity and youth empowerment in Africa.

  • Noelia Villalobos – Executive Director of SCACR and Sintercafé, fostering industry collaboration and growth.

  • Laura Brown – COO of Andean Health & Development, bringing expertise in nonprofit leadership and capacity-building.

With their leadership, IWCA will continue to expand education, market access, and collaboration opportunities for women in coffee worldwide.

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IWCA Australia Welcomes 2024 Board of Directors
Kirsten Nelson Kirsten Nelson

IWCA Australia Welcomes 2024 Board of Directors

IWCA Australia welcomes its 2024 Board of Directors, bringing fresh leadership and vision to empower women in coffee across the region. Stay tuned for updates as the chapter embarks on a new year of impactful initiatives.

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Celebrating 16 Years of Progress: 2024 Coffee Festival in Cameroon Highlights Sector Revival and Community Spirit
Kirsten Nelson Kirsten Nelson

Celebrating 16 Years of Progress: 2024 Coffee Festival in Cameroon Highlights Sector Revival and Community Spirit

Celebrating 16 Years of the Coffee Festival in Cameroon
In November 2024, IWCA participated in the 16th edition of the Coffee Festival in Koutaba, Cameroon, organized by COOPAGRO and the Syndicat des Communes du Noun. The event brought together producers, partners, and policymakers to reflect on the progress of Cameroon’s coffee sector, showcase women's leadership, and promote sustainable, community-driven growth across the value chain.

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Recap: IWCA South Korea Chapter at the IWCA International Summit – Seoul Cafe Show 2024
Kirsten Nelson Kirsten Nelson

Recap: IWCA South Korea Chapter at the IWCA International Summit – Seoul Cafe Show 2024

The IWCA South Korea Chapter hosted an inspiring IWCA International Summit during the Seoul Cafe Show, bringing together global chapter members, industry leaders, and coffee enthusiasts for an afternoon of connection, learning, and collaboration. From thought-provoking guest presentations to an exclusive IWCA cupping session featuring coffees from Brazil, Ethiopia, Burundi, Honduras, and Kenya, this event showcased the power of women in coffee. Read more about the highlights and key takeaways from this incredible gathering!

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