Empowering Women Through Coffee
The Inspiring Journey of Katia Duke
A professional in Socio-Economic and Environmental Development Engineering, as well as a specialty coffee producer, cupper, roaster, and barista.
As we celebrate International Women's Day, it's essential to recognize and honor the remarkable women who are making significant contributions to various industries worldwide. Today, we want to shine a spotlight on Katia Duke, a trailblazing coffee producer whose devotion to quality, innovation, and community empowerment is sincerely inspiring. Thanks to La Terza, we are proud to be among the many cafes privileged to feature Katia's exceptional coffee beans.
Katia Duke's journey in coffee began on her family's farm, Finca San Isidro, nestled in the mountains of Honduras's coffee-growing region of Copan. For generations, her family had been involved in coffee production, but it was the devastation caused by the La Roya leaf rust epidemic in 2012 that prompted Katia to reassess traditional farming practices and embrace innovation.
Driven by a desire to understand the specialty coffee industry, Katia pursued education and training, becoming a certified barista and roaster. She opened her coffee shop, where she roasted and sold coffee from her family's farm. Determined to produce exceptional coffee for export, Katia embarked on experiments with different processing methods, leading to significant rewards in both quality and recognition.
Nevertheless, Katia's path was scattered with impediments. Being a woman in a traditionally male-dominated industry, particularly within her own family lineage, she encountered resistance and skepticism. However, her resilience and dedication paid off as Katia garnered respect as a farmer and forged a cohesive team at San Isidro rooted in mutual respect and cooperation.
Beyond her achievements in coffee production, Katia has emerged as a leader in her community, spearheading initiatives to improve education, empower women, and address environmental issues. She played a pivotal role in building a new school for her community, demonstrating her commitment to creating opportunities for future generations.
Katia's dedication to quality extends beyond coffee production; she's deeply invested in empowering women within the coffee sector. As the coordinator of the International Women's Coffee Alliance sub-chapter in Copán, Katia works tirelessly to promote sustainability, traceability, and policies that support the well-being of women in the industry.
What sets Katia apart is her holistic approach to coffee farming. She understands that success in coffee production requires not only innovation and quality but also a focus on social and environmental sustainability. Through her work, Katia is not only producing exceptional coffee but also fostering thriving communities and businesses that prioritize the well-being of future generations.
As we reflect on International Women's Day and Katia Duke's journey, we're reminded of the power of passion, perseverance, and dedication to effecting positive, collectivistic, change. Her story and passion serve as a beacon of inspiration, showing that with determination and courage, anything is possible.
On this International Women's Day, let's celebrate the achievements of remarkable women like Katia Duke, whose contributions are shaping the future of the coffee industry and empowering communities worldwide.
