Welcome to "Brewing for Equity," a podcast dedicated to exploring the intersection of coffee and racial equity. In this episode, Phyllis Johnson chats with Catharina Hughey, the Executive Director of Dirt Coffee. This nonprofit social enterprise is committed to providing inclusive job opportunities for neurodivergent individuals.

Catharina recounts her path from studying international relations to working with nonprofits, eventually discovering her passion in the coffee sector. She highlights the significance of representation, intentional hospitality, and the unique practices at Dirt Coffee that create an inviting space for everyone.

Join us as we explore Catharina's journey, her mission to support local economies, and the meaningful impact of Dirt Coffee in building a more inclusive society. Whether you're passionate about coffee, a champion of social justice, or just curious about how these worlds intertwine, this episode is sure to inspire and inform.

Tune in and learn how Catharina and her team are making a difference, one cup at a time.

Guest Bio:

Catharina Hughey, MSW, is the CEO of Roots Colorado, operating as DIRT Coffee, a nonprofit dedicated to reducing underemployment among neurodivergent individuals through innovative hiring practices. With nearly 13 years of experience in nonprofit leadership and a personal commitment to disability justice, Catharina leads with passion and universal design. Under her guidance, DIRT Coffee has developed four evidence-based programs—internships, workshops, job development, and workforce training—along with the 'DIRT on the Road' mobile initiative. The organization also operates two community coffee shops in Historic Downtown Littleton and East Denver, which serve as hubs for community engagement and education on neurodivergent inclusion.

Beyond her work at DIRT Coffee, Catharina is active in the community, serving on the Littleton Downtown Development Authority, the University of Denver Alumni Council's DEI committee, and the Board of Directors for the Colorado Neurodiversity Chamber of Commerce. A graduate of the University of Denver with expertise in Organizational Leadership and Policy Practice, Catharina's leadership is deeply informed by her commitment to disability justice and intersectional equity.For more information, visit https://www.dirtcoffee.org. To contribute to their efforts, please visit https://www.dirtcoffee.org/donate.

Thank you for listening to "Brewing for Equity," where we believe in the power of coffee to create positive change. For more information about the Coffee Coalition for Racial Equity and to support our cause, follow us on Instagram @coffeeforequity or visit our website at Coffee Coalition for Racial Equity. Please donate at Pledge to Coffee Coalition For Racial Equity if you'd like to contribute to our efforts.

Theme music created by Kordz 📧kordzmusic@gmail.com

Subscribe and join us on this journey to brew a better, more equitable world.

Welcome to "Brewing for Equity," a podcast dedicated to exploring the intersection of coffee and racial equity. In this episode, Phyllis Johnson, founder of the Coffee Coalition for Racial Equity (CCRE), hosts an engaging conversation with Pastor Kyev P. Tatum Sr., a visionary leader and community advocate.

Pastor Tatum shares his incredible journey from civil rights activism to founding the Inner City Coffee Exchange and Coffeeaires, LLC. His work focuses on stimulating the inner-city economy by educating youth on the art, science, and business of specialty coffee, in collaboration with Texas A&M University's Center for Coffee Research and Education.

Join us to understand how coffee can uplift underserved communities, learn about the challenges of gentrification, and appreciate the power of faith and perseverance in driving social and economic change.

Guest Bio:

Rev. Kyev P. Tatum, Sr.Pastor and MediatorNew Mount Rose Missionary Baptist ChurchMinisters Justice Coalition of TexasContact: 817-966-7625 | kptatum1@gmail.com | www.newmountrose.com

Kyev Tatum has used his pulpit to advocate for civil rights, social justice, and against excessive use of force by police. In 2023, Tatum became a member of the Racial Justice Collective at the Aspen Institute in Washington, D.C., and served as a facilitator and panelist for the 10th annual Bloomberg CityLab in Washington, D.C. This year, Tatum was nominated for the Bloomberg New Economy Catalysts Class of 2024 in New York City.

The founder of the Inner City Coffee Exchange and Coffeeaires, LLC, Pastor Tatum collaborates with the Texas A&M University Center for Coffee Research and Education in the design and operation of a youth development system that will help stimulate the inner-city economy by teaching the art, science, and business of the specialty coffee value chain.For more information, visit www.newmountrose.com. To contribute to their efforts, please visit www.newmountrose.com/requests.

Thank you for listening to "Brewing for Equity," where we believe in the power of coffee to create positive change. For more information about the Coffee Coalition for Racial Equity and to support our cause, follow us on Instagram @coffeeforequity or visit our website at Coffee Coalition for Racial Equity. Please donate at Pledge to Coffee Coalition For Racial Equity if you'd like to contribute to our efforts.

Theme music created by Kordz 📧kordzmusic@gmail.com

Subscribe and join us on this journey to brew a better, more equitable world.

This episode of "Brewing For Equity" discusses the transformative power of strategic planning retreats, particularly within the coffee industry. Join Areli Barrera Grodski from Little Waves Coffee Roasters and LaDora Carter of Coffee Liberated as they share insights from a recent retreat at the historically significant Gloucester Institute in Virginia. Their reflections focus on advancing racial equity in the coffee sector and the profound impact of the retreat's setting, steeped in civil rights history, on their strategic discussions and personal insights.

Throughout the episode, listeners will gain insights into the importance of intentional gathering spaces, the benefits of outsourcing, and the role of history in shaping present endeavors. Areli and LaDora also discuss how personal assessments like the DISC survey can enhance team dynamics and contribute to more effective organizational strategies.

This episode also narrates the community, history, and ongoing efforts to create equitable spaces within the coffee industry. Whether you're involved in coffee, engaged in strategic planning, or interested in how historical contexts influence current business practices, this episode offers valuable perspectives and lessons.

Join us as we explore how strategic planning in unique environments can catalyze meaningful change and foster deeper connections within professional communities.

Guest Bios:

Areli Barrera Grodski has been deeply involved in the coffee industry since 2009. Alongside her partner, she co-founded Little Waves Coffee Roasters and Cocoa Cinnamon in Durham, NC. Areli is instrumental in overseeing the roastery and selecting green coffee, focusing on nurturing a team primarily composed of women of color. Her efforts have culminated in her roastery being awarded Roast Magazine's Micro Roaster of the Year in 2022. Follow Areli on Instagram @littlewaves.coffee and learn more at 🌐 Little Waves Coffee📧areli@littlewaves.coffee

LaDora Carter brings a unique blend of passion for coffee, community, and cultural history as the owner and head roaster at Coffee Liberated in Richmond, Virginia. Her company emphasizes the sacred moments that coffee can create, deeply intertwined with Afro-culture and the heritage of Africa and the African Diaspora. LaDora's extensive background in the Non-Profit sector enriches her approach to business and community engagement. Connect with LaDora on Instagram @coffeeliberated📧coffeeliberated@gmail.com

Tune in to this episode for an in-depth discussion of our strategic planning retreat held in a historic and culturally rich setting, showcasing how such environments can enhance the effectiveness and richness of organizational discussions. For more information about the Coffee Coalition for Racial Equity and to support our cause, follow us on Instagram @coffeeforequity or visit our website at Coffee Coalition for Racial Equity. Please donate at Pledge to Coffee Coalition For Racial Equity if you'd like to contribute to our efforts.

Theme music created by Kordz 📧kordzmusic@gmail.com