Transcript
Speaker: Hello there, this is Philip and you're listening to Coffee Stories. Today's spotlight is on Jodie Williams, a two -time Great Butane Olympian who has been surging forward in her quest to be more than just an athlete. She shares the blend of athleticism and coffee experience as she pushes for better living conditions for women in coffee farming communities. Jodie was born in the United Kingdom but currently resides in the United States of America.
Speaker: She has been a prominent voice in the coffee industry for six years, ever since her friend handed her her first iced latte that would blow her mind. This wasn't her first coffee cup though, as she was introduced to the world of coffee at a very young age. Accompanying her father to coffee shops and having her kitchen filled with the aroma of ground coffee, which meant coffee part of her morning routine.
Speaker: She prefers black coffee now, but that doesn't stop her from perfecting her pork ovens and experimenting with different recipes and flavours. One memorable coffee drink she recalls is a piccolo latte at Mon Mound Coffee in Seven Dials, London, where she was able to taste the flavour notes for the very first time. She loves the coffee industry because of the coffee shops and the sense of community it brings, reminding her of her home away from home.
Speaker: In 2012, she sadly tore her hamstring during the Olympic trials and was unable to compete in the Games. She had also struggled with attaching her entire identity to external success and achievement just like other athletes do, which could destroy an athlete's self -esteem when they aren't performing as well as they believe they can. She didn't let this stop her as she considers her proudest moment to be making the Olympic 400m final in the Tokyo 2020 Games.
Speaker: Jodi has a keen interest in women in coffee farming communities, specifically how they are affected by low wages and a lack of opportunities for leadership and management, which is why she's an ambassador for Fem Lead, a Ugandan NGO that works to empower young women to reach their full potential. She's a brand ambassador and a team member for Union Roasted, a London -based roastery. She's also a Puma ambassador.
Speaker: She also notes the lack of diversity in the specialty coffee industry, where minorities play major roles in production, but have very little representation at the top. Jodi defines success as being an almost authentic self, while also lifting others, as she does with her sister Hannah. They are both athletes who have represented Great Britain in international competitions and have no plans to stop soon.
Speaker: She enjoys reading, hiking, and listening to travel noir, and is considering becoming a nomad at the end of her track career, traveling wherever life takes her. How do you think women in coffee farming communities can be supported? We'd love to hear your thoughts. Our full story is on our website. Want to share your story? Visit our website.
