Longtime international coffee professional Blanca Castro is taking over the top executive spot at the nonprofit International Women’s Coffee Alliance (IWCA).
The appointment of Castro, who originally hails from Guatemala, follows the departure of Sarada Krishnan from the executive director position earlier this year.
With more than 16 years of experience in the coffee sector, Castro has served as the chapter relations manager for the IWCA since 2016. During that time, Castro helped grow the women-supportive organization to include 33 national chapters in traditional coffee producing countries plus a small handful of traditional consuming countries such as the United States and Italy.
“Blanca’s impressive background, experience, and deep commitment to the mission of the organization will bring a fresh perspective and energy to programs, partnerships, and overall impact of IWCA,” IWCA Board President Sharon Riechers said in an announcement from the group today. “With her leadership, IWCA is poised to further empower women in the coffee industry and drive positive change on a global scale.”
The IWCA, which is registered as a nonprofit in the U.S., is currently preparing to host its annual convention in the genetic birthplace of coffee, Ethiopia, while also celebrating its 20-year anniversary. The group supports and promotes the work of women throughout the coffee sector.
“The inspiration I’ve found through groups of women willing to join IWCA got me since day one,” Castro said in today’s announcement. “It showed a clear need to gather, belong, and support, not only in a particular country or region but globally. IWCA, although seemingly small, has the vision and power to bring them all together and provide the necessary support. Women in the coffee industry deserve the changes that will enable them to achieve recognition and accountability.”
Does your coffee business have news to share? Let DCN’s editors know here.
