Coffee brings people together for all sorts of reasons. One of the beautiful ways coffee is used is as a vehicle for change in areas of our world that desperately need it. Nowhere is change more needed than in the realm of human trafficking and exploitation. 

I am thrilled to talk with a couple of professionals on the front lines of this fight. We are talking with Jenny Barber and Jake Jiron of Talitha Coffee Roasters!

Jenny Barber, Cofounder of Talitha Coffee Roaster has spent the past 14 years becoming an expert on the topic of Human Trafficking. Determined to make a positive difference after witnessing the devastating, intergenerational impact of the issue from a young age Jenny founded Talitha Coffee Roasters. 

Their mission is to end Human trafficking and support survivors, one sip at a time. They do this By creating job opportunities, providing support for survivors of human trafficking, and partnering with experts as well as individuals and organizations seeking to benefit others. 

Jenny herself is a survivor of childhood exploitation. Today, she’s a mother of 6, college graduate, business and non-profit leader, and tireless advocate. 

Jake Jiron, originally from Bakersfield, CA, began his journey in specialty coffee in 2016 after graduating from San Diego State University. Starting as a farmer's market pop-up coordinator, he quickly expanded his roles to include admin tasks, invoicing, delivery driving, and ultimately transitioned into sales. Over the past seven years, Jake's focus has been on selling coffee and managing wholesale customers, turning his passion into a dedicated career.

Inspired by the mission and vision of the company, he knew he wanted to be part of something bigger that made a tangible difference in people's lives. Believing he could use his skills to support those in need of employment and opportunity, he made the decision to join Talitha Coffee. 

In this conversation we discuss: 

• Building a Business with Purpose: The Talitha Model
• Creating Employment Opportunities for Survivors
• The Importance of Quality in Coffee and Mission Alignment
• Navigating Relationships with Wholesale Accounts
• Training and Supporting Survivors in the Workplace
• Empowering Survivors Through Care Plans
• Onboarding and Workforce Readiness
• Celebrating Growth and Skills Development
• Fostering Long-Term Relationships
• Partnerships for Impact and Support

Links:

www.talitha.com

Instagram: @talithacoffeeroasters 

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