Supporter Spotlight: Walker Coffee Trading

Walker Coffee Trading has been a coffee donor for the Grounds for Health Auction since 2013 and was this year’s highest grossing donor, raising $4,265 for our cervical cancer prevention programs at origin.

Walker Coffee is a family company that values sustainable, transparent and ethical practices. Shareholders come from families who have been involved in the coffee business for over three generations with roots and experience ranging from East Africa to South and Central America. Together they are made up of coffee farmers, wet and dry millers, exporters and importers.

We had the pleasure of meeting up with Monica Walker, Director of Marketing, Public Relations and Sales, at both NCA and SCA this year and got her perspective on the company’s philosophy and values.

On why Walker Coffee Trading supports Grounds for Health …

We are strong believers in health prevention after having faced our own challenges with different issues and of many close friends/relatives. Helping others have that chance is also a way to educate and save many lives to allow them to pay it forward with others as well.

On sustainability …

Sustainability should start at our own companies first before doing it with others. For example, buying products that are consistent in quality over time, produced by people that share similar principles and values as yours and be in line with the business plan that you have in place. Buying the wrong product or buying because you like someone or “feel sorry” for their situation in origin is not a good practice. Besides, buying a product without setting some standards of quality gives the wrong message to the farmers and you’ll end up rewarding bad behavior.

On what should be done about women’s health in coffee regions …

The topic of gender is all over right now, but it should not be overdone. In this case, Grounds for Health focuses on one aspect of the women’s health, the reproductive system, but down the road it could be extended to other health issues as well that involve men, just an idea. For example, colonoscopy at age 50, bladder incontinence in men/women, menopause in women and low testosterone in men, mental health, etc.

On her personal motto/mantra …

To always be honest to myself, not to answer too quickly without knowing if I can do it or want to do it. Taking time for balancing my life, between work, pleasure, family and friends; spending time in activities that stimulate my creative mind, academic, physical and mental aspects. I don’t say things for saying them, if I commit to something I keep my word, I might get too busy at times and I might delay in responding, but I take seriously what I say to others.I ensure to make myself get grounded if I’m overwhelmed with too much going on too quickly, recharge then get back to it.

On why others should support Grounds for Health …

The main thing to know is that those behind the scenes, the team running the organization, are real people. Having focused on a small operation without too much overhead shows that you are benefiting those who needs it most, not yourselves.