Get us to NEW YORK Coffee Fest 2023
Donativo protegido
Growing up, you are told as an adult you will probably go to college, get an awesome career, make amazing friends along the way, fall in love... blah blah blah... right? Now, what if your career goals and life decisions are "unconventional", "unheard of", or described as "diferent?"
Rosa and Lena met in the summer of 2022. Instantly they formed a friendship rooted in their shared love for specialty coffee. They both began their specialty coffee careers at young impressionable ages, they both are of Mexican heritage, and they both are women in a male-dominated industry. Rosa and Lena had fallen in love with a career that wasn't exactly, "taught" in schools, or "planned" for. They bonded over that feeling of being misunderstood, and finding a career that was "atypical". The two met just weeks before LOS ANGELES Coffee Fest of 2022, and together they began practicing. They quickly realized how strong of an impression their friendship was on their fellow barista friends and decided to get more latte-artists involved in their, "practice sessions".
LA Coffee Fest arrived, and the two compete, and although the two didn't make it to the finals, they quickly learned that THIS is something they both want to do... compete. Together they began plannning for the year to follow, 2023.
Coffee Fest, (as described by their website) is a chance to "experience new products, discover new trends and immerse yourself in the industry that is about serving others. You will find all levels of education taught by industry professionals and your most trusted brands. Coffee Fest is more than a tradeshow, it is an immersive experience where the regional specialty coffee community comes together, driving thought leadership & stimulating localized business growth." It is a 3-day event where people from all around the world, come together, embrace, learn, grow, laugh, and share.
Now, the question we all have been thinking is, why start a fundraiser? Why should I support these two? Why raise this money together as opposed to separately?
Why start a fundraiser?
- The goal and sole purpose of this fundraiser is to alleviate the financial strain it is to attend such an event. Service workers make up more than 80% of the competition "bracket". For service workers to take time away from work in hopes to attend and showcase their talents, is often a huge out-of-pocket cost. If there is a chance to alleviate that financial strain why not take the chance at it?
Why should I support these two?
- Rosa and Lena have created a "family" in this specialty coffee community. They have created safe spaces for latte artists to openly teach each other on a day to day basis. They deeply care about everyone involved in this community, as well as for people outside of the coffee community. They are dedicated to improving, learning, and encouraging others. They symbolize what that "spirit" is in this caffeinated community. And most of all, because they need your help.
Why raise this money together as opposed to separately?
- Rosa and Lena are a team, they quickly learned how beneficial it is to have a shoulder to lean on. They are each other's support system, when one wins, the two of them feel they both have won. They are committed to helping each other achieve greatness. They believe that if they work together, it will help break down the classic societal expectations of "women tearing each other down". Rosa and Lena are two Mexican American women competing alongside each other, as opposed to against each other. How could they not do this together?
If you decide to donate, your money will be used for the following expenses:
- Airfare $500
- Hotel Expenses $800
- Transportation $200
Lena and Rosa intend to save enough money to pay their usual bills and pay for their meals. The goal is to alleviate the bigger expenses as listed above.
If you would like to see Lena and Rosas's latte art, or if you have any questions, please contact either of the two on their IG accounts.
Lena Enriquez
@leniiitas
Rosa Verdugo
@itssimplycoffee
Thank you for taking the time to read, and they thank you for your support.
Organizador
Lena Enriquez
Organizador
Los Angeles, CA