A Journey Through Guatemala’s Coffee Heritage: IWCA Board Tour Recap

Our experience exploring Guatemala’s rich coffee culture was nothing short of extraordinary. From learning with experts to sharing meaningful moments with one another, every stop on our tour deepened our appreciation for Guatemala’s role in the global coffee community and strengthened our bond as a team.

Day 1: Warm Connections and Shared Purpose

Our week began with a heartfelt evening at Executive Director Blanca Castro’s home in Guatemala City. Over cocktails and warm conversation, laughter and joy filled the air as we connected as friends and colleagues. The evening was a beautiful start to the week—informal, yet rich with purpose. Conversations buzzed with excitement, anticipation, and a shared passion for shaping the future of IWCA. This evening of warmth and camaraderie set the perfect tone for the important work ahead.

A Warm Welcome at Anacafé – Asociación Nacional del Café de Guatemala

We were welcomed with open arms by the passionate team at Anacafé, Guatemala’s National Coffee Association, within their stunning facility. The day began with an insightful presentation led by Andrea Vergara, highlighting Guatemala's pivotal role in producing and exporting some of the world’s finest coffees. Anacafé’s mission to support over 125,000 coffee producers through research, education, and sustainable farming initiatives was truly inspiring.

Next, we experienced the magic of coffee cupping, sampling four distinct and delightful varieties—Coban, Natural, Pacamara, and Geisha—guided by Anacafé's expert team. Each cup told a story of Guatemala’s diverse microclimates and coffee-growing traditions.

We then toured Anacafé’s state-of-the-art laboratory, where their commitment to sustainable and regenerative farming practices came to life. Our tour guides, Daniel Martinez, Coordinador ANALAB and Carmen Alvarez, Especialista en Calidad, Investigación y Desarrollo ANALAB, demonstrated the lab’s advanced soil testing techniques and pest-monitoring protocols—critical efforts to help farmers maintain healthy coffee plants, protect the environment, and maximize productivity.

Collaborative Connections at Finca Pastores

The following day, journeyed to Finca Pastores, a charming coffee farm nestled in the heart of Antigua, where the ambiance of history and nature created the perfect space for connection and collaboration. Over shared meals in the beautiful dining hall, we fostered relationships, brainstormed new ideas, and strengthened our bonds as a board and team.

Finca Pastores, with its rich legacy dating back to the 1800s, has evolved from a flour mill into a vital part of Guatemala’s coffee industry. Their modern wet mill, which uses 80% less water, reflects a deep commitment to sustainability—an example of how innovation and tradition can coexist.

Day 2: Focused Working Sessions – Mapping IWCA’s 2025 Objectives

With inspiration fresh from our evening together, we gathered for a full day of strategic work sessions, driven by the mission to strengthen IWCA’s impact for 2025 and beyond. We tackled complex challenges and generated actionable solutions to advance our goals for the year ahead.

Key Focus Areas and Outcomes:

During our time at Finca Pastores, the IWCA Board came together to chart a course for impactful initiatives in 2025. With a focus on communication, fundraising, and strengthening chapter relations, we aligned our strategies to empower women in coffee and drive IWCA’s mission forward.

Communication Committee: Sharing Stories, Building Connections

The Communication Committee outlined strategies to increase IWCA’s visibility and share impactful stories from across the coffee value chain. Plans include launching an annual storytelling campaign and building a story library to showcase voices from the IWCA network. The committee will expand outreach efforts by identifying key partners, sponsors, and audiences, while also strengthening risk management through clear partnership agreements aligned with IWCA values. A promotions calendar will guide consistent outreach, with key milestones throughout the year to engage and inspire global audiences.

Fund Development Committee: Strengthening Financial Sustainability

The Fund Development Committee focused on building sustainable funding streams and strengthening donor relationships. Key strategies include developing new revenue opportunities, enhancing donor stewardship processes, and expanding outreach to secure multi-year sponsorships and grants. The committee aims to cultivate long-term partnerships and explore funding opportunities from industry stakeholders, philanthropic organizations, and global foundations to support IWCA’s mission and ensure financial stability for future initiatives.

Chapter Relations Committee: Empowering Chapters for Greater Impact

The Chapter Relations Committee focused on enhancing chapter support and engagement through stronger reporting, communication, and capacity-building initiatives. Key priorities include implementing systems to track chapter projects, assessing organizational capacity, and improving feedback channels. Efforts will also promote the quality and visibility of IWCA coffees through training and market partnerships. The committee is committed to addressing barriers such as technology access, administrative gaps, and political challenges, while establishing clear reporting and communication practices to measure progress and support chapter growth.

United in Purpose, Focused on Impact

The IWCA Board’s time at Finca Pastores was more than a planning session—it was a reaffirmation of our commitment to empowering women in coffee. Together, we have set the stage for a year of storytelling, fundraising growth, and strengthened chapter engagement. With these initiatives, we will drive our mission forward in our monthly committee meetings and continue building a thriving global community of women in coffee.

A Glimpse into Tradition and Innovation at Finca Filadelfia

Our Guatemala tour concluded with a visit to the iconic Finca Filadelfia, graciously arranged by the Guatemala IWCA Chapter. Nestled on the outskirts of Antigua, this historic farm dates back to 1864 and was among the first in the region to cultivate coffee.

The breathtaking landscapes, volcanic views, and diverse microclimates of Finca Filadelfia created an awe-inspiring backdrop to our exploration. Guided by the team from Agritech Geo, we gained valuable insights into the technological advancements that are helping producers improve yields and adapt to climate change. The blend of history, education, and innovation left us inspired to carry forward these lessons in our work with IWCA.

A Journey of Learning, Connection, and Purpose

This unforgettable journey through Guatemala’s coffee heartland brought together knowledge, inspiration, and camaraderie. From cupping exquisite coffees to walking alongside farmers and innovators, we left not only with a deeper understanding of Guatemala’s coffee industry but with a renewed passion for IWCA’s mission to empower women in coffee and uplift communities worldwide.

Thank you to the IWCA Guatemala chapter for your hospitality and generosity in welcoming us so warmly. Thank you for your efforts and contributions to making this trip such a memorable and impactful opportunity.

We are grateful to our hosts, guides, and partners for sharing their time, wisdom, and hospitality with us. As we move forward, the experiences and connections forged on this journey will continue to fuel our collective impact within the global coffee community.