Celebrating Women in Coffee: IWCA’s Impact at SCA 2025
At the Specialty Coffee Expo 2025 in Houston, the IWCA Community Lounge became a powerful gathering place for stories, connection, and action. Throughout the weekend, our global network came together to amplify women’s voices, exchange knowledge, and celebrate the mission we all share: empowering women in coffee.
Stories that Stay With You
To every woman who stood up and told her story—thank you. Your courage, vulnerability, and vision anchored our programming and reminded us why this work matters. These deeply personal narratives offered an unfiltered view of the real lives shaping the future of coffee. (We’ll be releasing the recordings soon—stay tuned.)
Art with Purpose
The Community Lounge was brought to life by the beautiful artwork donated by women in coffee from around the world. Featured in our silent Art Auction, each piece carried meaning and purpose. These contributions supported IWCA’s mission while honoring the artists and their communities.
Gratitude for Our Speakers and Partners
We are deeply grateful to the expert speakers and partners who brought knowledge and energy into the IWCA Community Lounge:
Roberta Lauretti-Bernhard (FES), for leading the Microfinance Learning Program and sparking dialogue around economic empowerment and solidarity lending.
The Rainforest Alliance, for two compelling presentations on EUDR compliance and regenerative agriculture—giving us practical tools for sustainable change.
Firedancer Coffee Consultants, for facilitating the IWCA Coffee Assessment Program and providing producers with opportunities and market visibility.
The U.S. Chapter of IWCA + Covoya, for organizing the standout panel “Real Solutions from Women Across Coffee’s Value Chain.” This discussion illuminated both the challenges and innovations shaping our sector—no one left untouched.
(Recordings will be posted soon!)
Coffee Tastings
Throughout the event, the IWCA Community Lounge offered a rotating selection of coffee tastings, generously contributed by women producers from across our global chapters. These moments created space for attendees to slow down, connect, and experience the rich diversity of origins, processes, and stories behind every cup. Each coffee served was more than just a beverage—it was a reflection of a woman’s dedication to her craft, her community, and her land. We extend our heartfelt thanks to the producers and chapters who made this experience possible, and to the volunteers who helped bring it to life with care and hospitality.
Sponsors
We are deeply grateful to our sponsors, whose generosity made the IWCA Breakfast Fundraiser and the Community Lounge possible. Your support helped create a welcoming space for dialogue, learning, and connection—and ensured that women’s voices were heard across the SCA 2025 experience. Thank you for investing in equity, sustainability, and the future of the coffee industry.
What the Community Lounge Represented
The IWCA Community Lounge wasn’t just a room—it was a shared space for learning, visibility, and celebration. It created room for conversations that matter, highlighted chapter achievements, and brought to life the spirit of collaboration that defines our alliance.
From cupping sessions to policy conversations, from storytelling to skill-building workshops—this space helped cultivate the future we believe in: one grounded in equity, resilience, and collective action.
Thank you to every volunteer, attendee, speaker, chapter leader, and supporter who brought your time, energy, and presence to this space. We’re honored to share this journey with you—and we’re just getting started.