Recap: Real Solutions from Women Across Coffee’s Value Chain – A Global Conversation at SCA 2025
At the 2025 Specialty Coffee Expo in Houston, the U.S. Chapter of the International Women’s Coffee Alliance (U.S. Women in Coffee) facilitated a powerful panel discussion in collaboration with Covoya, bringing together diverse voices from across the global coffee industry.
Titled “Real Solutions from Women Across Coffee’s Value Chain: Addressing Vulnerabilities While Promoting Possibilities Through Cross-Sector Collaboration,” the session filled the IWCA Community Lounge with attendees eager for insight, connection, and real-world solutions. What followed was a moving conversation that shed light on the barriers women and families face throughout the supply chain—and the creative, determined ways they are overcoming them.
Panelists Included:
Yimara Martínez Agudelo (Coffee Quality Institute) – Colombian coffee producer and post-harvest education expert with 15+ years of global experience.
Erin Wang (Philz Coffee) – Senior Manager of Coffee Buying & Quality, with a background in sourcing, sensory analysis, and finance.
Byron Holcomb (Covoya / OFI) – Regional Specialty Manager with experience at every stage of the coffee supply chain, from Peace Corps volunteer to farm manager and green buyer.
Katherine Morris (Cherry Coffee Shop & Novel Coffee Roasters) – CFO and community leader focused on values-driven business and hospitality.
Ana María Donneys (Café Primavito / IWCA Colombia) – Fifth-generation coffee producer and President of IWCA Colombia, advocating for inclusive rural development.
Moderated by Maria Cleaveland (Urnex Brands and USWIC Board Member), the panel covered a range of critical topics—from climate disruptions and market access to trade compliance and the emotional weight of carrying multiple responsibilities as women in coffee.
What made the session exceptional was its grounding in lived experience. Panelists spoke candidly about their personal journeys and professional insights, sparking emotional connection and shared purpose among attendees. It was not only informative—it was transformative.
We extend heartfelt thanks to BrewBird and Lavazza for their generous sponsorship, which made this event possible.
About the Hosts:
USWIC (U.S. Women in Coffee) is the official U.S. Chapter of IWCA Global, focused on elevating and connecting women across the U.S. coffee sector.
Covoya is a specialty coffee importer that believes in the power of collaborative journeys to drive equity, transparency, and success across the supply chain.
Looking Ahead:
This panel was more than a conversation—it was a catalyst. As we continue our shared journey toward equity and sustainability in coffee, we look forward to hosting more spaces like this that elevate women’s voices, bridge sectors, and turn ideas into action.
Thank you to everyone who joined us, shared your stories, and helped build the momentum for what’s next. We look forward to continuing this important dialogue together.