Lecture Description
This panel will explore culture through coffee, highlighting various aspects of the cultural significance, social impact, and economic aspects of coffee across different regions. Panelists will discuss their experience as business owners, what community means to them, and how they use coffee to share their heritage and connect with individuals across the globe.
Panelists will explore the historical roots of coffee in their ancestral regions, discussing traditions and social practices, how coffee became an integral part of their daily lives and how they brought their unique experience to Chicago.
Panelists will examine the economic significance of coffee production, trade, and its impact on the livelihoods of farmers and local communities, discussing fair trade practices, sustainability, and the challenges faced by coffee-producing regions. They will also highlight how coffee is a medium for storytelling and cultural exchange, explore how coffeehouses, cafes, or events centered around coffee serve as spaces for collaboration and the exchange of ideas.
Panelists will share their coffee preparation methods, brewing techniques and specialties, and explore the fusion of traditional coffee recipes with modern trends and global influences. Panelists will close by discussing the potential for coffee to continue bridging cultural gaps and connecting communities across the globe.
Date: Friday, April 12, 2024
Time: 10:15 a.m. - 11:15 a.m.
Room Number: S401ABC
This panel will include 3 Chicago coffee shop owners, Jesse Íñiguez, Tuan Huynh, and Martha Itulya-Omollo, of various ethnic backgrounds, but all with the goal to build, foster, and enable human connection as a foundation for a sustainable planet and sustainable communities.
This panel is moderated by L Brew & Cecilia Cuff of the Nascent Group.
Panelists
Jesse Íñiguez
Owner and Director of Coffee Operations, Back of the Yards Coffee Co.
Jesse Íñiguez is the Owner and Director of Coffee Operations at Back of the Yards Coffee Co., a specialty coffee company located in Chicago's Back of the Yards community. Jesse was born in Back of the Yards and understands the importance of uplifting the neighborhood that raised him, informing his will to provide quality service, spaces and products to his community, without sacrificing the culture.
Tuan Huynh
Founder, VietFive Coffee
VietFive Coffee, located in Chicago’s West Loop, was founded by Tuan Huynh, an award-winning creative director and community organizer. VietFive is a Vietnamese coffee company that grows, harvests, imports, roasts, and serves Robusta beans from the founder’s family farm in Vietnam. VietFive also provides career opportunities to marginalized groups through industry networking, creative workshops, community centered events, and employment.
Martha Itulya-Omollo
Owner and Co-Founder, Kikwetu Kenya Coffee Company
Martha Itulya-Omollo is the Owner and Co-Founder of Kikwetu Kenya Coffee Company. Kikwetu is a family owned, Chicago-based, coffee company offering freshly roasted beans, coffee-infused beverages, world-class catering services, and specialty-grade Kenyan Coffee.