Recap: Real Solutions from Women Across Coffee’s Value Chain at SCA 2025

At SCA Houston 2025, U.S. Women in Coffee (USWIC) and Covoya co-hosted a panel that filled the room—and filled our hearts.

Titled “Real Solutions from Women Across Coffee’s Value Chain: Addressing Vulnerabilities While Promoting Possibilities Through Cross-Sector Collaboration,” the session brought together five remarkable panelists representing every stage of the coffee supply chain, from production and importing to roasting, retail, and education. By the end of the hour, not a dry eye remained in the room.

This conversation wasn’t just another panel—it was the first of many critical conversations we need to keep having. The stories shared were honest, brave, and deeply human, shedding light on the challenges facing women and their families in coffee communities around the world. And just as importantly, they offered real-world strategies, lessons, and hope.

Meet the Panelists:

• Yimara Martínez Agudelo (Coffee Quality Institute) – A Colombian coffee producer and educator with 15+ years of experience empowering farmers around the world

• Erin Wang (Philz Coffee) – Senior Manager of Coffee Buying and Quality, with a background spanning barista work, sourcing, finance, and nonprofit

• Byron Holcomb (Covoya / OFI) – Regional Specialty Manager who’s worked across the entire supply chain, from Peace Corps volunteer to green buyer and farm manager

• Katherine Morris (Cherry Coffee Shop & Novel Coffee Roasters) – CFO and community leader who builds purpose-driven systems in coffee retail and roasting

• Ana María Donneys (Café Primavita) – A fifth-generation Colombian coffee producer, Q Grader, and President of IWCA Colombia, advocating for inclusive, rural opportunities

Moderated by Maria Cleaveland (Urnex Brands), the discussion covered the barriers women face—from access to capital and leadership, to navigating trade regulations and climate disruptions. But it was also a session full of possibility. Panelists shared stories of perseverance, innovation, and the power of partnership.

The session wasn’t theoretical—it was grounded in lived experience, and it left attendees with tangible takeaways and an emotional sense of connection and motivation.

Thank you to our sponsors, BrewBird and Lavazza, whose support made this important event possible.

About the Hosts

USWIC (U.S. Women in Coffee) is the official U.S. Chapter of the International Women’s Coffee Alliance (IWCA Global). USWIC exists to elevate, connect, and advocate for women across the U.S. coffee industry, while staying rooted in the global mission to create sustainable, meaningful lives for women in coffee.

Covoya is a specialty coffee importer that believes in the power of collaborative journeys. With deep respect for quality, sustainability, and partnership, Covoya works across the supply chain to support transparent sourcing, empower producers, and help customers craft success stories—one voyage at a time.

What’s Next

This panel was only the beginning. As the global coffee industry continues to evolve, we’ll need more of these moments—more open dialogue, shared learning, and practical solutions rooted in equity.

Thank you to everyone who attended, asked questions, and shared space with us.

We look forward to continuing the conversation—together.

Get Involved with U.S. Women in Coffee

Whether you’re a producer, barista, importer, roaster, educator, or ally—there’s a place for you here. Join U.S. Women in Coffee (USWIC) to connect with a growing network of professionals committed to equity, leadership, and opportunity across the coffee industry. Your voice, experience, and energy matter. Together, we’re shaping a more inclusive and sustainable future for coffee.

Become a Member