Women's History Month 2025

Celebrating Women’s History Month

 

Each year, we celebrate Women’s History Month by highlighting some of the incredible women producers we are honored to work with, as well as recognizing the dedicated women on our team.

We wouldn’t be where we are without the talent, hard work, and dedication these women bring every day.

Throughout the year, we collaborate with four different women producers and women-run cooperatives. Our team consists of roughly 85 women and women-identifying employees, many of whom hold leadership positions—truly embodying the definition of "boss women." We are proud to work alongside a diverse group of women who uplift and support one another daily, from our producers to our team members and our wonderful customers.

 

While we celebrate these women every day, March gives us the opportunity to shine an even brighter light on their contributions. This year, we are thrilled to bring you two special women-produced coffee offerings: Loma La Gloria Unicorn Pacamara Natural from El Salvador and Sholi Natural from Rwanda—both from farms we have worked with for years.

To deepen this celebration, both coffees will be featured as "Cause Coffees," with $1 per bag donated to The Letter Project, a female-run initiative dedicated to empowering girls and women through handwritten letters. Founded on the belief that women flourish by supporting each other, The Letter Project fosters a global community of encouragement and kindness. They welcome all female-identifying letter writers to spread love and remind women everywhere that they are enough and not alone.

 

At Bird Rock Coffee Roasters, we strongly believe in The Letter Project’s mission of uplifting and empowering individuals through meaningful connections. Just as The Letter Project spreads encouragement through handwritten letters, we believe coffee is a powerful connector—fostering conversations, community, and support. That’s why we are proud to highlight this incredible organization as part of our Women’s History Month celebration.

Since its inception, The Letter Project has sent 302,000 letters, worked with 13,750 volunteer letter writers, and reached 101 countries. That’s 302,000 women across the globe who have been lifted up simply by receiving a letter of encouragement from another woman.

“Our message is simple: we believe in you. We believe in the power of women supporting one another. We are rooting for you from all around the world.” - The Letter Project

The Letter Project Testimonials: 

“The Letter Project is unlike any organization I’ve ever know and has such a powerful impact on women and girls who are in pain and might be in desperate need of the support of others. Their services are invaluable.”

— Mom of a 15-year-old

“It meant so so much. To be able to go through and read all of the encouraging notes from people all around the world. None of them knew me personally, yet they all took time out of their busy lives to send me some encouragement and love. The Letter Project is a very special thing.” - A 23 year old 

 

What better way to honor the women of The Letter Project than with coffee produced by women? Women have played a vital yet often overlooked role in coffee production for centuries, contributing to everything from planting and harvesting to processing and quality control. Despite facing unique challenges due to gender biases and cultural norms, many women have persevered, becoming successful entrepreneurs and leaders in the industry.

Organizations like the International Women's Coffee Alliance (IWCA) and the Relationship Coffee Institute’s Women's Coffee Program help empower women producers by providing training, resources, and market access. This Women’s History Month and beyond, Bird Rock Coffee Roasters continues to support and celebrate these contributions by purchasing coffee from women producers and highlighting the farms and individuals shaping the industry.

This month, we feature Anny Ruth of Loma La Gloria and the incredible women behind the Sholi Cooperative in Rwanda.

LOMA LA GLORIA UNICORN PACAMARA: Milk Chocolate | Cherry Cola | Black Plum

The future of coffee depends on the next generation of farmers, and Anny Ruth Pimentel is paving the way for women in a traditionally male-dominated industry. With the average coffee farmer in Central America nearing retirement, Anny’s leadership at Finca Loma La Gloria is preserving a legacy while redefining it.

Founded by her father in the late ’90s, Loma La Gloria sits on the Quezaltepec Volcano in El Salvador, growing Pacamara and Bourbon varieties, some from trees over 60 years old. When Anny took over in 2012, she focused on improving quality and ensuring full traceability by putting the farm’s mill into operation. Her vision and dedication embody the resilience of women in coffee, making her a true trailblazer worth celebrating.

SHOLI COOPERATIVE: SHOLI NATURAL: Nutmeg | Raisin | Chocolate Malt

The Sholi Cooperative, meaning “Mutual Assistance,” is a community-focused coffee co-op in Muhanga, Rwanda, founded in 2008. It evolved from a women’s association called Kundwa (meaning “love” in Kinyarwanda), and today, nearly half of its members are women, including two board members.

Beyond producing exceptional coffee, Sholi is committed to its community. In 2016, the cooperative secured a grant to build a health center, providing essential care to locals who previously had to travel 18 km on rough roads for medical services. The clinic treats malaria, respiratory infections, and more, with plans to expand into nutrition programs to combat childhood malnutrition.

As we celebrate Women’s History Month, we recognize the incredible women who shape the coffee industry—from the farms where coffee is grown to the cafés where it’s brewed and enjoyed. The dedication, resilience, and passion of women producers like Anny Ruth and the Sholi Cooperative members inspire us, just as the women on our own team do every day.

By supporting women-led initiatives like The Letter Project and featuring these women-produced coffees, we honor their contributions and continue our commitment to uplifting and empowering women in coffee.

Shop the coffees here and honor the strength, resilience, and contributions of women in coffee and women around the world. $1 per bag sold of the Loma La Gloria Unicorn Pacamara Natural from El Salvador & Sholi Natural from Rwanda are donated to The Letter Project. Read more about what they do here: The Letter Project