How do you take your coffee?
My preferred method is to brew my coffee in a traditional Jebena (Ethiopian clay pot), savoring three small cups of the rich brew during the Ethiopian coffee ceremony which we do at home twice a week. On days when I don’t have the time for the full ceremony, I would typically do a pour-over in a Chemex or just reach for a can of our RDT cold brew coffee on the go.
Tell us about some of the challenges (and joys!) of being a member of the coffee community
As a woman of color in the coffee community, I face both challenges and joys that come with being a member of this industry. Some of the challenges I encounter include stereotypes, biases, and barriers that exist in this male-dominated field. However, being part of this community also gives me opportunities to empower women and contribute to shifting the industry towards more inclusivity and diversity. One of the joys I experience is being able to contribute to the empowerment of women in a traditionally underrepresented field. By highlighting the essential role that women play in coffee production and bringing awareness to the lack of fair wages between genders, I am part of a movement working towards a more balanced and equitable coffee industry.
Has the Canadian coffee landscape changed in terms of diversity & inclusion since you started working?
In my opinion, the evolution of the Canadian coffee scene over the last decade towards greater diversity and inclusion is truly remarkable. Coffee establishments are making a conscious effort to have diverse teams that reflect their communities and are showcasing a variety of coffee origins which are steps in the right direction. I have noticed an increase of initiatives that celebrate diversity which are truly making the coffee scene livelier and more open-minded. There's always room to grow, but the progress made in the past decade is noticeable and slowly but surely is leading to creating a coffee culture that is more vibrant and inclusive for everyone.
If you could work towards ONE thing to increase diversity & inclusion in Canadian coffee, what would this be?
If I could work towards one thing to increase diversity and inclusion in the Canadian industry, it would be creating a mentorship program specifically designed to support women of color who are interested in pursuing careers in coffee. This program would provide guidance, resources, and networking opportunities to help them navigate the male dominated field and empower them to succeed in the industry. By offering mentorship and support tailored to the unique experiences and challenges faced by women of color, it can help create a more inclusive and diverse environment that celebrates their contributions and talents. This initiative can not only facilitate the professional growth and advancement of women in the Canadian coffee sector but also help build a stronger community of women supporting women, fostering a sense of belonging and empowerment among underrepresented groups in the industry. Implementing such a program could lead to a more diverse and inclusive coffee community where everyone has equal opportunities to succeed and thrive.
