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.

Roberta Lauretti-Bernhard, co-founder of the Learning Loan Microfinance program, presented daily sessions at the IWCA Community Lounge explaining how microfinance creates wealth for women in coffee. The Learning Loan offers small loans ranging from $400 to $1,000 to women in rural areas who lack access to traditional banking, achieving a 100% repayment rate through trust-based lending combined with financial education. IWCA chapters worldwide use the Microfinance Management Training Manual, now available in English, Spanish, French, and Portuguese, to implement Learning Loan programs in their regions.

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.

At SCA 2025, the U.S. Chapter of IWCA and Covoya facilitated a powerful panel highlighting real-world solutions and lived experiences from women across the coffee supply chain. This emotional, insight-packed session brought together producers, educators, importers, roasters, and retailers to address challenges and spark collaboration.

IWCA Greece launched Coffee Pairs, a structured mentorship program connecting women coffee professionals across experience levels, providing guidance, networking, and support for career advancement in Greece's coffee industry.

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.

Join IWCA for a powerful morning of connection and celebration at the 2025 SCA Houston Breakfast Fundraiser. Highlights include keynote speaker Pacita Juan, the Threads of Empowerment Quilt Auction, and the official welcoming of IWCA Ecuador as our newest global chapter.

Women in Coffee Ethiopia (WiCE) has officially introduced its new Board, marking an exciting new chapter for women across Ethiopia’s coffee sector. With renewed leadership, WiCE will continue advancing projects that support women in coffee while launching new initiatives to expand opportunity, innovation, and impact throughout the value chain.

Women in Coffee Ethiopia hosted a Validation Workshop with AECID and the International Trade Centre to explore innovative ways to transform coffee waste into valuable resources. From biofuel to compost and circular pilot projects, the workshop highlighted practical solutions for a more sustainable future in Ethiopian coffee.

Sunalini Menon, India’s first woman coffee taster, transformed the nation’s coffee industry through decades of work on quality, farmer support, and inclusion. Her trailblazing journey helped drive India’s exports past $1 billion and opened doors for women across the global coffee value chain.

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.

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.

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.

IWCA Vietnam, Nhau Studio, and Detech Group transformed coffee grounds into art at a Hanoi workshop, demonstrating how women in the coffee industry create value and community through creative innovation.

IWCA Vietnam's webinar on ecological coffee cultivation and emission reduction brought together expert guidance and women coffee farmers' real experiences, demonstrating how sustainable coffee farming practices move from concept to implementation.

IWCA India’s Coffee Santhe 2025 brought together coffee lovers, producers, and innovators in Bengaluru for a three-day celebration of specialty coffee, women’s empowerment, and community impact—all in support of women working in coffee plantations across India.

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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.

The IWCA India Chapter celebrates the semifinalists of the Women Star Brewers Championship 2025, with six finalists advancing to compete at Coffee Santhe on March 22, 2025.

IWCA Kenya launched AWICI Mashinani, a grassroots training program empowering women across Kenya’s coffee value chain with skills, knowledge, and market access to support long-term, inclusive growth.