Two Birds Coffee
A family-owned business expanding its importing of beans to various locations such as the United States, Canada, and Saudi Arabia has also made a significant impact into the domain of coffee roasting businesses ran by women. The owner and farmer, Ana Vizcaino, has taken it upon herself to adopt 100% organic and sustainable farming practices which continue to influence other coffee farms in the Guatemalan region. As Two Birds Coffee has grown, it has also found a way to sponsor a segment of the female population in Guatemala to pursue their fundamental needs.
Here is what Ana has to say:
"The best way to help young girls in Guatemala is by facilitating their way to be financially and emotionally independent. Ten years ago, we started slowly working towards our goal which is to reach out to as many girls as we possibly can. Sometimes they only needed simple solutions like transportation money, school supplies, a recommendation letter, etc. One popular thing we offer often is driving lessons and their driver license - something so useful, a plus for someone looking for a job. Some are more ambitious and they seek education at a higher level. For example, Elisa did two years of college, she is currently working at the office, she is in charge of accounting. Two girls are now university graduates - both Engineers. Eugenia works for my sister in quality control for their Acai production, and Gaby is the general manager in our company. Jenni and Ruby are attending classes at AnaCafe, the Guatemalan Coffee Association. Two girls who I met through someone working at the farm, are now working nurses. I realize that in order for them to become the best at whatever they decide to be, an early start is ideal."