STiR coffee and tea magazine

STiR coffee and tea 49 IWCA is uniquely poised to provide a leadership role to address some of these challenges through education and advo- cacy to ensure an equitable coffee industry. There's a reposi- tory of information–from published reports to webinars–on its website, and it hosts annual events, including expositions, cup- pings, competitions, and business matchings. Whether online or onsite, the alliance helps inspire and continue the work of its chapter leaders and members. From Dreams to Reality Philippine chapter president Rosario Juan, cafe owner and roast- er, shares that after attending the 2015 IWCA summit in Bo- gota, Colombia, and witnessing the first World Coffee Events women's barista championship, she was inspired to organize an all-female competition back home. In 2019, Rosario and Van- essa Caceres led the first Women's Latte Art Throwdown, spot- lighting the talented female baristas in the Philippines. The com- petition is now held every March to celebrate Women's Month. Participants conquer their fears of being in front of a crowd while gaining confidence and pride in their latte art skills. Win or lose, lifelong friendships are made between fellow baristas, knowledge is shared, and the spirit of collaboration permeates the air. As a licensed Q grader, Rosario is also actively involved in helping women farmers improve the quality of their coffee. "We've been traveling all around the Philippines and created 1 to 3-day training programs to help address issues in the farm," she says. "My primary involvement is to help train them on cof- fee cupping, explaining the pros and cons, and then aid them in tasting. It's always a very interesting exercise. We get to see their reactions to their coffee versus the coffees from other origins. There are a lot of good coffees in the Philippines, but that is just the beginning. These women coffee farmers are very hard- working, very passionate about what they produce, and also very eager to learn." When asked which other fellow IWCA she looks up to, Rosario mentioned Princess Kumala "Lalah" Sug-Elardo. One of the chapter's founding members, Princess Lalah rallied and taught the women and young girls in her community to help in coffee farming, processing, and sorting, which she learned from the other leaders and members of IWCA Philippines. Soon, they were able to increase their yield and produce better coffee, gain- ing the attention of buyers from Manila and even abroad. This attracted more women from the community to the coffee indus- try, and eventually, even the men put down their firearms and ceased being rebels. With their new lives as coffee farmers, they earned extra in- come and became a part of the Princess's group. Their brand is known as Peace & Coffee, true to the 'arms to farms' story of Patikul, Sulu. Children were sent to school with their coop- erative's profits, and roads and a community health center were built. The war-torn area is now peaceful, and Princess Lalah has been recognized in national and regional awards as an inspiring leader and entrepreneur. Driven to Succeed There are many remarkable stories in Asia and Oceania and a lot more to discover from IWCA chapters in Africa, Europe, North America, Latin America, the Caribbean, and other cof- fee-consuming places. Imagine the sheer number of women farmers, processors, community leaders, millers, sorters, trad- ers, roasters, baristas, cafe owners, policymakers, and consum- ers worldwide. Why are all these women in coffee? Chit Juan, one of IWCA's board members, explains, "There's attention to detail, patience, and perseverance which give coffee its unique taste and flavors. From farm to cup, there is a lady behind that fruit, behind that bean." Trailblazing continues as long as there are fellow women and male champions worldwide, and they will succeed for their family, their country, and the global community. That's the power of women in coffee. Princess Lalah with the next generation of female coffee producers in Patikul, Sulu, Philippines. After witnessing the first World Coffee Events women's barista championship at the 2015 IWCA summit in Bogota, Colombia, Philippines chapter president Rosario Juan was inspired to start an all-female barista competition back home.

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