International Women Coffee Alliance
Appointed Dr. Sarada Krishnan as Executive Director
June 2 - 2021
Coffee Geography Magazine
InternationalWomen coffee Alliance chose a research scientist to lead the organization as
Executive Director. Dr. Sarada Krishnan has an extensive career path in
agricultural study as well as in empowering women to involve in coffee sector.
Her
background in coffee research and cultivation, including a Bachelor of Science
in Horticulture from India, and a Master of Science in Horticulture from
Colorado State University and her doctorate research at the University of
Colorado focused on the conservation genetics of wild coffee in Madagascar has exclusively qualified her for her new post.
Dr.
Krishnan currently serves as the Director of Horticulture and Center for Global
Initiatives at the Denver Botanic Gardens. She has also served on several
local, national, and international boards and committees, including projects
with the USDA National Genetic Resources Advisory Council and as Vice President
of Programs for Women First International Fund.
In
Jamaica, she owns a coffee plantation in the region famously branded Blue
Mountains Jamaica Coffee. Her business in the country drove her to become one
of the founding member of the IWCA Jamaica Chapter.
“I
am thrilled to lead IWCA and contribute to the empowerment of women in coffee
by enabling success throughout the entire value chain through programs and
partnerships,” Dr. Krishnan said.
IWCA
was founded in 2003 to create business opportunities for women in coffee and
enabling them to have good knowledge of the complex international structure of
the commodity market with its global chapter network in 27 countries.