SPRINGFIELD, IL, US – The International Women’s Coffee Alliance (IWCA) has named Dr. Sarada Krishnan as the new Executive Director. Krishnan has an extensive background in coffee research and cultivation that includes a Bachelor of Science in Horticulture from India, a Master of Science in Horticulture from Colorado State University, and doctorate research at University of Colorado, Boulder that focused on the conservation genetics of wild coffee (Coffea spp.) in Madagascar.
Krishnan currently serves as the Director of Horticulture and Center for Global Initiatives at the Denver Botanic Gardens. In addition to her research and professional experience, Krishnan also owns coffee plantations in the Blue Mountains of Jamaica and was a founding member of the IWCA Jamaica Chapter.
“The IWCA Board of Directors is pleased to welcome Dr. Sarada Krishnan as the new Executive Director to lead the organization. The Board was impressed with Sarada’s background in coffee research, leadership skills, and experience with simultaneously managing projects in multiple countries,” said Sharon Riechers, IWCA Board President.
“We are confident that with her strategic vision the organization will continue to grow and empower the members of our global chapter network to enact meaningful change in their communities and across the coffee value chain.”
As Executive Director, Krishnan will oversee IWCA programs, fundraising, and events while executing strategic plans for organizational growth and success in the years to come. Her diverse professional experience will help to identify new opportunities for leadership development, amplified market visibility, and critical partnerships that will benefit the members of the IWCA Global Chapter Network, comprised of 27 countries.
“Women are the backbone of a family and community. Empowering women will lead to positive change. 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,” says Krishnan.
About International Women’s Coffee Alliance (IWCA)
Founded in 2003, the International Women’s Coffee Alliance (IWCA) is a US-based 501c3 nonprofit with the mission to empower women in the international coffee community to achieve meaningful and sustainable lives; and to encourage and recognize the participation of women in all aspects of the coffee industry. As a global network, the IWCA achieves empowerment through leadership development, strategic partnership, and amplified market visibility. Read more about our impact in the 2020 IWCA. Annual Report: http://bit.ly/IWCA2020AnnualReport
