International Women's Coffee Alliance
United States Chapter
Webinar Series
Exploring New Origins: Climate, Tariffs, and the Search for Viable Alternatives
The U.S. Women in Coffee Association (USWIC) is pleased to announce the launch of a new webinar series, Exploring New Origins, focused on how climate change, tariffs, and shifting market dynamics are reshaping sourcing strategies across the coffee value chain.
Up Next...
Session 3
Climate Disruption & Supply
Session 3
Exploring New Origins: Climate Disruption and Supply
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Date: October 28, 2025
Time: 1:00 PM ET / 10:00 AM PT
Speakers:
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Elizabeth Whitlow, Founding Executive Director, Regenerative Organic Alliance
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Miguel Gamboa, Coffee Sector Lead, Rainforest Alliance
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About this Session:
As the effects of climate change accelerate, the global coffee supply chain faces unprecedented disruption — from shifting growing regions and declining yields to increasing instability in producer livelihoods.
This session brings together two leading voices in sustainable agriculture and coffee systems to explore what adaptation and regeneration truly look like on the ground.
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Elizabeth Whitlow served as the founding Executive Director of the Regenerative Organic Alliance, leading a transformative movement to drive long necessary changes to our agricultural system through the Regenerative Organic Certified® standard: an innovative benchmark for food, fiber, and wellness ingredients grounded in the pillars of soil health, animal welfare, and social fairness. With a master's degree in environmental studies focused in agroecology, Elizabeth began her career as an advocate for shade-grown, fair-trade and organic coffee growers in Central America. This work sparked a twenty five+ year journey examining systemic agricultural policies and championing programs that reward holistic farmers.
Miguel Gamboa, Coffee Sector Lead at the Rainforest Alliance, brings over two decades of experience in coffee production, certification, and trade. His work centers on helping farmers and organizations navigate the intersection of sustainability, productivity, and market access across Latin America and beyond.
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Together, they will unpack the systemic challenges shaping coffee’s future — and share actionable insights for producers, importers, and roasters seeking to adapt to a rapidly changing climate landscape.
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Registration
This webinar is free to attend and will be recorded. A replay will be available to all who register.
Session 4 Pathways to Viable Alternatives
Session 4
Exploring New Origins: Pathways to Viable Alternatives
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Date: November 18, 2025
Time: 1:00 PM ET / 10:00 AM PT
Speakers: Mark Inman (Covoya Specialty Coffee) and Phyllis Johnson (BD Imports & Coffee Coalition for Racial Equity)
As the final conversation in our Exploring New Origins series, this session brings the discussion full circle—looking beyond today’s challenges toward practical, equitable solutions for the future of coffee.
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Mark Inman and Phyllis Johnson will explore what “viable alternatives” really mean in an era defined by climate disruption, trade pressures, and shifting consumer expectations. Together, they’ll discuss how new origins, innovative sourcing partnerships, and inclusive business models can strengthen resilience and opportunity across the value chain.
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About the Speakers
Mark Inman Director of Growth, Covoya Specialty Coffee
With more than 30 years in specialty coffee, Mark Inman is recognized for his expertise in sustainable sourcing, market development, and advocacy for socially responsible trade. His career spans green buying, cooperative leadership, and global consulting, giving him a deep perspective on how environmental, political, and market forces converge in shaping coffee’s future.
Phyllis Johnson
President and Co-Founder, BD Imports | Founder Coffee Coalition for Racial Equity
Phyllis Johnson is a leading voice for equity in coffee. Through BD Imports, she has built partnerships with producers across Africa and Latin America while advancing gender and racial inclusion throughout the supply chain. She has served as a consultant to the UN International Trade Centre’s Women in Coffee Program and founded the CCRE to expand opportunities for Black professionals in coffee. Her leadership and advocacy have been recognized by the Harvard Kennedy School and numerous industry organizations.
Registration
This webinar is free to attend and will be recorded. A replay will be available to all who register.
Session 1 Replay
Session 1 Webinar
Exploring New Origins: Coffee at a Crossroads
Session 1 Details
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Date: September 16, 2025
Time: 1:00 PM ET / 10:00 AM PT
Speakers:
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In this first session, Mark Inman and Phyllis Johnson will introduce the Exploring New Origins series, provide context on the forces driving change in coffee sourcing, and highlight both the opportunities and challenges of exploring less traditional origins.
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With more than 30 years of experience in specialty coffee, Mark Inman brings deep expertise in sustainable sourcing, advocacy, and market development. His insights will help frame the key issues that roasters, importers, and producers must consider when navigating a rapidly evolving industry.
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Phyllis Johnson is President and Co-founder of BD Imports and Founder of the Coffee Coalition for Racial Equity (CCRE). With over 25 years in coffee, she is recognized globally for advancing gender and racial equity, building opportunities for women and Black entrepreneurs, and advocating for systemic change at forums including the United Nations and World Trade Organization. Her perspective will bring essential context to how equity, representation, and inclusion intersect with today’s industry challenges.
The session will conclude with a live Q&A, giving participants the opportunity to engage directly with Mark and Phyllis and share their own perspectives and questions.
Why This Matters
As climate variability and international trade policies place increasing pressure on established producing regions, the search for viable alternatives is no longer optional—it is essential. This series will provide actionable knowledge for coffee professionals looking to understand emerging risks and opportunities while centering women’s voices in the conversation.
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Registration
This webinar is free to attend and will be recorded. A replay will be available to all who register.
Session 2 Tariffs & Trade Tensions
Session 2
Exploring New Origins: Tariffs and Trade Tensions
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In the second session of our Exploring New Origins webinar series, Phyllis Johnson (BD Imports & Coffee Coalition for Racial Equity) and Rob Stephen (Covoya Specialty Coffee) shared their insights on how shifting trade policies and global tensions are reshaping the coffee landscape.
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The discussion highlighted the ripple effects of tariffs across the supply chain — from producers to importers and roasters — and explored pathways toward collaboration, resilience, and equity in a changing market.