Joe Coffee Team’s Reflections from the Women-Powered Coffee Summit

Lessons, Insights, and Inspiration

In 2019, we first connected with Amaris Gutierrez-Ray from Joe Coffee Company, and since then, she has been an unwavering supporter, advisor, and collaborator in so many ways. When we hosted the first Women-Powered Coffee Summit (WPCS) in 2022, inviting Amaris as a speaker was a no-brainer. Not only did she bring her voice and experiences to the room, but she lifted everyone around her, including us! With her help, we’ve now brought three editions of WPCS to life—and the fourth edition is coming in October.

Last year, Amaris had an idea: What if she brought a team from Joe Coffee Company to experience WPCS firsthand? She gathered the resources and support, made it happen, and brought five incredible individuals to the summit. These participants—baristas and coffee professionals—came eager to learn, share, and grow. They applied through an internal channel, were selected based on thoughtful prompts, attended onboarding calls, and even brought coffee and equipment to contribute to the experience.

Their presence was impactful, and we wanted to take a moment to share some of their reflections and key takeaways from the event.

Jennifer: The Hidden Costs and Power of Knowledge

"Attending WPCS was an eye-opening experience that deepened my understanding of the intersection between gender equity and sustainability in coffee. The summit brought together women coffee producers, importers, and business owners, all working toward a more equitable supply chain. Some of my biggest takeaways included the hidden costs of coffee production—especially how small farmers, particularly women, bear the brunt of these costs. We talked about equitable pay, the power of agronomic practices, and how education empowers both consumers and producers. I left feeling inspired by the women leading this charge and committed to amplifying these conversations in my own work."

Amaris: Embracing Diverse Solutions in Coffee

"The industry often obsesses over one-size-fits-all solutions, but WPCS was a reminder that coffee is as diverse as the people who cultivate it. The summit was filled with meaningful discussions about power dynamics, the need for historical education on gender equity, and the importance of knowledge-sharing. One of the most powerful moments for me was hearing Doña Mayra speak about empowerment—not as something given but as something inherently possessed. It made me think: What if we reimagined how producers are included in coffee marketing? Could we flip the script and have producers educate roasters on how they want to be represented? These are conversations we need to keep having."

Lee: The Invisible Labor of Women in Coffee

"One of the things that struck me the most at WPCS was the conversation around invisible labor—childcare, meal preparation, logistical planning, and manual work that women contribute daily, often without recognition or compensation. While more women are getting paid now than in the past, the wage gap persists, exacerbating wealth inequality. Another critical topic was the burden of debt on producers and the challenge of articulating these hidden costs to consumers. How do we educate people on the real value of a cup of coffee? This event reinforced that we need actionable gender equity strategies—not just ideals."

Suzanna: Coffee as a Tool for Equity and Sustainability

"At WPCS, I gained a deeper appreciation for how coffee intersects with sustainability, education, and gender equity. One of the most powerful takeaways for me was the concept of ‘brewing awareness’—how each cup of coffee carries stories of labor, climate resilience, and ethical sourcing. We discussed the lack of data on women in coffee and how digitalization can empower producers by making knowledge more accessible. The Gender Equity Index stood out as a crucial tool to help companies integrate gender-responsive strategies. If we want to create a more just coffee industry, we need to start by ensuring that knowledge and resources are equitably distributed."

Luisa: Investing in Women is Investing in Communities

"One of the moments that resonated with me the most was when a speaker discussed income tiers. We learned what encompasses the poverty line, minimum wage, a decent wage, and prosperous income—and how we should strive for more than just a decent wage. Another compelling argument shared was that investing in women creates ripple effects that uplift entire communities. When a woman is supported, she often reinvests in her household and community and, in the process, supports the next generation. Another speaker displayed a quote from Shakira that read, 'Las Mujeres no lloran, las mujeres facturan' ('Women don't cry, women invoice'). I thought it was a fun way to combat the societal norm that women are vulnerable and can't facilitate good business. We can, and do, every day across the globe. This event made me reflect deeply on gender and business and how we integrate gender-specific strategies/considerations into our work."

Mika: Bridging the Gap Between Producers and Consumers

"The disconnect between coffee producers and final consumers is vast. One of the key discussions at WPCS revolved around how we bridge that gap through education, transparency, and action. Climate change is making it imperative to push for longevity in the industry, which means inviting more people into these conversations and developing future leaders. One thing that stood out was the importance of precise language—how do we communicate complex issues in a way that is accessible across languages, cultures, and geographies? Data collection is a huge gap when it comes to gender in coffee, and without it, we’re flying blind. WPCS was a reminder that if we truly want to sustain this industry, everyone needs to do their part, and that starts with listening to and learning from those at the heart of it all."

Looking Ahead

Our goal with the Women-Powered Coffee Summit is to be more than just an event; a movement that continues to spark meaningful conversations in the coffee industry. Through shared experiences, deep conversations, and collaborative action, we are hopeful for a future where gender equity is the norm, not the exception. As we gear up for our fourth edition, we carry forward the insights, passion, and momentum from these incredible participants.