Women who lead with purpose
7/31/20262 min read
When people think about coffee, they often picture the drink itself—a warm cup to start the morning or a place to gather with friends. But behind every cup are countless women whose dedication, knowledge, and passion make coffee possible.
Women are present at every step of coffee's journey. They are the pickers who carefully harvest only the ripest cherries, the producers who nurture the land and oversee every stage of cultivation and processing, the roasters who transform green coffee into the aromas we know and love. The baristas who welcome us with hospitality, and the entrepreneurs who create spaces where communities gather and coffee stories are shared.
As I continue my own journey in specialty coffee, I often reflect on the incredible women who have shaped my path.
My first inspiration has always been my Nona. Coffee has never been just a beverage in my family—it has been a way of life. I watched my grandmother lead with resilience, determination, and generosity on her farm, teaching us that caring for the land also means caring for the people around us. Those lessons continue to guide me today.
Another person who has deeply influenced me is my mentor, Elizabeth from Blooming Specialty Coffee. One of the greatest gifts in coffee is meeting people who are willing to share their knowledge. Elizabeth's passion for coffee is contagious. Every conversation leaves me inspired to keep learning and reminds me that coffee is a lifelong journey of curiosity and discovery.
I am equally grateful for Valerie, whose kindness and generosity welcomed me into this industry. When I decided to leave my full-time role at Apple to pursue specialty coffee, everything felt new. Valerie invited me to work alongside her team at Surje Coffee, serving beautiful coffee experiences at private events throughout San Diego. One unforgettable highlight was serving the backstage crew during Rosalía's Lux Tour at Pechanga Arena in San Diego. Experiences like these reminded me that coffee is about far more than what we pour into a cup—it's about the people we meet, the friendships we build, and the communities that embrace us.
I would also like to thank Angélica and Chris Millar for opening another important door. They invited Lumière Café Colombiano to participate in our very first Rosarito Wine Fest. Both Chris and Angie allowed us the opportunity to share our Colombian specialty coffee alongside some of Baja California's finest wineries and chefs.
Throughout this journey, one lesson has become clear: community changes everything. A community that supports you, welcomes you, challenges you, and celebrates your growth is invaluable. Instead of finding competition, I have found collaboration. Instead of closed doors, I have found mentors, friendships, and opportunities I never imagined possible.
Sometimes I pause and think about how fortunate I am to have these remarkable people in my life. Each has encouraged me in a different way—through mentorship, opportunity, friendship, or simply believing in me when I was just starting. Their influence reminds me that when women support one another, we all grow stronger.
To every woman working somewhere along coffee's journey—from farm to cup—thank you. Your work, passion, and dedication inspire more people than you may ever know.
I invite you to connect with us, join our journey, and experience our specialty coffee directly sourced from origin.
Lumière Café Colombiano