Voting is now open for the 2012 BGA Elections! BGA members may vote until 19 February 2012.
We'll be filling one Mountain Regional Chapter Representative to represent BGA members in Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Utah, and Colorado from the list of nominees below (in alphabetical order): Hannah Shields・ Miguel Vicuna
Voting is also open for Executive Council and Regional Chapter Representatives in for the Northwest, Western, South Central, and Southeast Regions. If you reside in these regions be sure to check out those nominees before you cast your vote!
Read the nominees' profiles below and vote!
How are you involved in coffee? How does this role fit into the BGA?
I currently hold the position of Director of Coffee Quality for Coffee Latin America, an international coffee importation/exportation company based in Medellin, Colombia. I am also a trainer for a local roasting company and my duties include performing training and coffee quality meetings for their current and prospective customers. I am an
I.A.S.C. Certified Barista and a current Certified Q Grader with the Coffee Quality Institute. I haven 10+ Years experience in the specialty coffee industry as a barista, coffee-shop manager, cafe owner, with extensive knowledge in roasting, fulfillment and distribution.
Why might you be considered leadership material?
I am dedicated and invested in my interests by becoming part owner of a specialty coffee company and an international coffee importation/exportation company that prides itself in procurring and producing the finest specialty coffees in Latin America. I believe that supporting farmers in quality production and sustainability methods will help bring better coffees to the market while keeping the needs and concerns of the roaster, barista and end consumer in mind.
I think I would be an asset to the BGA by setting the bar on quality coffees be produced, purchased and roasted internationally ultimately creating a platform for baristas to exhibit their talents. I am a hard worker, very motivated and stand behind everything I do.
I am willing to take initiative and help the BGA team meet its goals.
What are some accomplishments you would like to see happen in the future of the BGA and/or SCAA?
I want to see specialty coffee to be the demand of consumers. I want set a good example for Baristas by helping the specialty coffee market as a whole and providing opportunities for the consumer to educated on this great industry and better tasting coffees!
How are you involved in coffee? How does this role fit into the BGA?
I am a barista and trainer at Metropolis Coffee and help out at Aviano Coffee, two really quality focused shops in Denver, CO. I am also a Head Judge for the USBC and current Mountain Region BGA Rep.
Why might you be considered leadership material?
Having come in at the end of the term I feel like my duty as Mountain Region rep has just begun and there is so much that I have in store. Helping start monthly TNTs in Colorado is just the tip of the iceberg. I am always working towards higher education and try to attend as many SCAA, BGA events as possible and sharing with everyone that is not able to attend. Leading is key attribute to being a Head Judge and SCAA Lead Instructor which I have worked hard to accomplish and hope to continue in those roles for a long time to come.
What are some accomplishments you would like to see happen in the future of the BGA and/or SCAA?
I believe we are on a great start of bringing education based events to baristas across the country. I would like to see more Camp-Pull-A-Shots in different cities; also offer BGA classes and certifications at regional barista competitions. More interaction with the RG is another step i would like to see happen. I feel like we could have a lot of great conversations and greater outcomes if we connect more.
