DEVOTED TO WOMEN IN COFFEE
WHEN WOMEN HELP OTHER WOMEN INCREDIBLE THINGS HAPPEN
As a young girl, I was blessed to grow up, not only with a supportive family but, in a community where my competitive nature was encouraged, and my love of sports and ambition to succeed was met with loud cheers, high-fives, and celebrations. It was because of this environment that I knew I could face every challenge, whether it be in the classroom, on the soccer pitch or on a racecourse, head-on; and, I knew I could succeed.
Inevitably, over the years, my competitiveness has spilled out beyond running and sports. And the unwavering support of those I love has never been far behind me.
Unfortunately, not every woman has a community, or even a family, behind them every step of the way. Over the years, I have become increasingly aware of the challenges women face in their day-to-day lives.
For women in the coffee industry, specifically on family-owned plots, it is no different. While women in the coffee industry typically undertake a majority of the vital maintenance and harvesting roles, they are rarely granted any control over harvest profits and shares. Sadly, the coffee industry itself seldomly contributes to women’s interests such as training beyond field-related work, leaving women with limited opportunity to contribute to the decision-making processes that impact their lives.1 The lack of support and the under-representation, coupled with a limitation to labour only duties, greatly impacts these women’s abilities to provide not only stability to their families but also hinders the greater development of their communities.
Every woman deserves a voice and an equal opportunity. We at Marathon Coffee Co. are devoted to sourcing and roasting meaningful coffee from women-owned farms. We believe in supporting and encouraging women in the coffee industry to achieve meaningful and sustainable lives.
“ONE WOMAN'S SUCCESS CAN ONLY HELP
ANOTHER WOMAN'S SUCCESS.”
- GLORIA VANDERBILT -
ABOUT ME
Mia
Mia & husband Geoff
Coffee has always stirred a fascination for me. The texture of freshly ground beans, the subtle aroma of a freshly brewed pot, the smoothness of each pour, and coffee’s mysterious ability to bring us all together.
Since as far back as I can remember, coffee has been deeply rooted in my family’s culture. It has been symbol of togetherness, and a reason to connect. Coffee for me, meant quality time with those I loved.
I often think back to when I was a child, to large family gatherings, where we all gathered around the kitchen table, to share a cup straight out of the Moka pot. My parents, my zios and zias, my cousins and my siblings would spend hours sipping, sharing, and laughing.
As I have grown, my appreciation for coffee has grown with me. Today, with a family of my own, coffee represents those quiet moments in the morning before our kids wake up. It represents those peaceful moments where my husband (Geoff) and I can sit in our cozy kitchen and share our thoughts (and sometimes just silence) over a fresh cup. Those moments while brief - and some days non-existent - have become part of our family tradition. It is because of these moments for Geoff and me that our pursuit for quality coffee has become ever more important. We are constantly searching for hidden gems of unique flavour profiles, to share with those we love.
Coffee was, and still very much is, a reason to gather, to share and to laugh.