Meet Isalia Martínez, a Trailblazer in Honduran Coffee Production
Isalia Martínez, a 23-year old graduate from E2E’s school in Zurzular, Honduras, is redefining what it means to be a woman entrepreneur in her rural community. At the recent Producer Roaster Forum in Guatemala City, Isalia won first prize for her business concept, Hondumujer, earning $6,000 in seed capital to launch her venture focused on women’s empowerment and sustainable coffee production.
From Humble Beginnings to an Inspiring Pitch
Isalia’s journey is marked by resilience and determination. As a single mother in a community where traditional gender roles are deeply entrenched, she started her business from scratch with limited resources and no prior experience. At the Producer Roaster Forum, she delivered her first-ever public speech, captivating investors with her story of overcoming obstacles and her commitment to empowering other women through her coffee business.
A Vision for Women’s Empowerment and Sustainability
Hondumujer is more than a coffee company; it’s a movement aimed at creating opportunities for women to engage in coffee production and entrepreneurship, traditionally male-dominated fields. Isalia’s vision aligns with broader efforts to empower women in the coffee industry, as highlighted by Swisscontact’s initiatives in Honduras. These efforts focus on improving women’s access to markets and resources, addressing barriers such as limited market access and participation in value chains. By providing training and support, Isalia is helping women gain the skills needed to succeed and break free from societal constraints.
Overcoming Criticism and Social Challenges
Despite her achievements, Isalia has faced criticism from some in her community. They believe her focus on her business comes at the expense of her duties as a mother. Some have criticized her for being away from her daughter to attend events. But Isalia remains focused. She understands her work is about building a future for herself and her daughter. It’s also about challenging outdated views of women’s roles.
Looking Ahead: Building Skills and Networks
Isalia is committed to expanding her knowledge and network within the coffee industry. She has sought mentorship from experienced coffee business owners. She will also participate in the inaugural Honduran Coffee Expo as a volunteer. Organized by Tripartito Coffee, the expo will bring together key players in the Honduran coffee sector—including producers, roasters, exporters, equipment manufacturers, and coffee shop owners—to build relationships with international buyers.
The event will feature an exhibition, a lecture series, the Brew Boulevard, barista competitions, cuppings, workshops, and more, making it one of the largest of its kind in the country. It aims to highlight the quality and excellence of Honduran coffee. For Isalia, the expo represents a valuable opportunity to refine her skills, learn from industry leaders, and build partnerships that will help her achieve her goal of exporting her coffee to the United States next season.
Seeking Mentors and Community Support
To help Isalia reach her full potential, we are seeking female mentors. They can provide guidance as she grows her business. As she works toward becoming the first woman in her area with her own coffee brand, she is setting an example. She proves that women can break free from traditional gender roles.
Join Us in Supporting Isalia’s Journey
Isalia’s story is a powerful example of resilience and vision. It shows the impact of community support. We invite you to join us in supporting her journey. You can become a mentor, share her story, or contribute in other ways. Together, we can help Isalia and other young women break barriers and create a more inclusive future.