CEO and Brand President at Ascension Coffee

Throughout her career, Jessica has worked across the U.S. in specialty food and coffee, holding roles in cafés, roasteries, and brand leadership. Jessica is dedicated to supporting fair, thriving prices for coffee producers as a foundation for lasting food and economic security in coffee-growing communities. Her leadership approach is deeply rooted in advancing gender equity; amplifying underrepresented voices across the industry is integral to her work.

Jessica believes that a more inclusive and resilient coffee industry begins with shared values, ethical sourcing, and strong relationships from farm to cup. Outside of work, she finds inspiration in the outdoors and believes time spent in nature helps fuel thoughtful leadership and lasting impact.

Product Manager at Google

Victor goes to sleep every night excited about drinking coffee the next morning. His fascination with coffee's varied flavor possibilities led him to study all parts of the value chain, including a trip to Lucia Solis' fermentation training camp in Guatemala.

With a day job working in computer software, Victor brings tech support and data analytics expertise to SANA.

Based in Santa Cruz, California, Victor is also an avid surfer and gardener. He recently managed to grow a small caturra tree outside through the Northern California winter.

happy® Advocate CSR & Partnerships

Melanie is part of the founding team at happy® products, a coffee company committed to the wellbeing and mental health of coffee-drinkers and coffee-producers alike. In her role as happy® advocate, she's focused on all things corporate social responsibility and partnerships that bring shared values to life. 

Prior to happy®, she spent over 18 years in the nonprofit sector before completing her MBA at UNC Kenan-Flagler School of Business with dual concentrations in entrepreneurship and strategy. Her nonprofit work included development, strategic and operational planning, marketing, executive training, board management, and more. She worked at and consulted with a wide range of organizations, most recently spending 7.5 years in senior positions at Teach For America.  She lives in Sag Harbor with her husband, Chris, and 2 children, June (8) & Max (5).

Founder & CEO Feliciana Specialty Coffee

Paula founded Feliciana Coffee, a purpose-driven brand based in Austin, Texas. Her journey began on her family’s farm in the Colombian mountains and has evolved into a mission to bring ethically sourced, single-origin coffee from women farmers to conscious consumers in the U.S.

With a background in finance and business development and an MBA from Columbia University, Paula blends her expertise in business strategy with her passion for coffee, entrepreneurship, and women’s empowerment.

Outside of coffee, Paula is dedicated to mentoring business women, raising her two young boys, and building community wherever she goes.

VP of Retail & Supplier Partnerships at Tradecraft

Rebecca has been part of the coffee world for over 25 years. Her coffee journey started as a barista, and has led her through coffee retail management, operations, training & education, program development, and procurement.

She is passionate about volunteering as a small animal foster for a local rescue, and program support at the local teen center, and is so excited to now support SANA. She lives in the Chicago suburbs with her husband and two teenagers.

Integrative Counselor in Private Practice at Navío Counseling

Vicente is a registered member of the British Association for Counseling and Psychotherapy (BACP) with an MA in Psychotherapy and Counseling from Regent’s University London and a BA in Sociology from Texas A&M University. An integrative counselor with a multicultural background, Vicente draws on a range of therapeutic traditions to support clients in exploring identity, relationships, trauma, and personal growth.

Before pursuing a career in counseling, he worked in marketing and communications for various charities and educational institutions, including the Center on Conflict and Development, World Coffee Research, and the Specialty Coffee Association, experiences that deepened his commitment to social justice, sustainability, and the wellbeing of producers.

Now based in London, Vicente runs Navío Counseling, a private practice offering one-to-one counseling in Shoreditch and London Bridge. He is proud to serve on the advisory board of SANA and to support their mission of providing mental health care to women coffee farmers.