Women in Coffee: Empowering Female Leaders at Hacienda Iluminada
Buenos Dias Everyone!
Much like Mother Earth herself, the work of cultivating coffee requires a feminine touch. From the rich, dark soil to the delicate blossoms, the process of nurturing and growth is something that woman know best. For centuries, women have been the unseen force, but the life-giving energy that has allowed our coffee trees to flourish.
At Hacienda Iluminada, we honor this deep connection between women and the land. By empowering female leaders and creating a movement that is as powerful and essential as nature itself.
-If it’s good for EARTH it’s GOOD for YOU
Women’s Roles in Coffee Production
From planting coffee trees to managing harvests, women are essential to the success of our farm. At Hacienda Iluminada, women are not only working in the fields but they are also managing operations, influencing quality control, and ensuring that specialty coffee meets the highest standards.
We are proud to highlight figures like Sam Sepulveda, a co-founder of both Hacienda Iluminada and 787 Coffee, who has been instrumental in building the company's community-focused mission since 2014. His leadership has helped to uplift the Puerto Rican coffee industry and community in Maricao. By creating opportunities for women at every stage of production, we are redefining what leadership in the coffee industry looks like.
Female Empowerment Programs
Empowering women in coffee starts with access to education, resources, and mentorship. Hacienda Iluminada invests in training programs designed to help women build skills in farm management, cupping, roasting, and coffeepreneurship.
These programs give our female farmers the tools they need to not only contribute but to lead with confidence in a traditionally male-dominated industry. One of our biggest accomplishments in our program is that we are proud to have female roasters, such as Wanda, who has been with us at farm for years, making a positive impact with her care and expertise in the roasting process. This commitment to leadership development ensures that the next generation of female coffee farmers has the tools they need to succeed.
Beyond training, the farm also focuses on creating a supportive work environment. This includes providing permanent, year-round employment and paying wages that are well above the federal minimum. By offering stable jobs and fair pay, we ensures that women have a secure livelihood and can invest in their families and community. The farm’s commitment to providing a safe and fair workplace is a core part of its mission to empower female farmers.
The Stories That Inspire Us
At Hacienda Iluminada, we saw the stories of resilience among women like Agueda Ortiz Velez and Maritza Lopez. Their stories could have been a tragedy, but transformed into a powerful opportunity to transform lives.
Agueda, a third-generation farmer, had to fight for respect in a male-dominated industry where women were not paid equally or valued for their work. Her greatest test came when Hurricane Maria in 2017 destroyed 80% of her coffee trees. In the face of that devastation, she found the strength to rebuild her farm from scratch.
Similarly, Maritza, a cosmetologist, watched as the same storm left her community without a reliable food source. She retired from her career to take over her family's farm, determined to take care of our people through a devastating time.
This shows to prove that a woman could not only lead, but make a greater impact through the agriculture indutry. Their struggles highlight the urgent need for a new model, one that empowers women and builds stability, and Hacienda Iluminada is that change.
Women’s Coffee Cooperatives
Women-led cooperatives are a powerful force in transforming the coffee communities. These groups give female farmers a platform to share knowledge, pool resources, and gain market access for their coffee beans.
The Fundación Bucarabón in Puerto Rico is a great example of this, where a foundation has launched a coffee cooperative that specifically buys coffee beans from local women farmers to promote their roles in the industry. By supporting women’s cooperatives, Hacienda Iluminada helps create a more inclusive coffee supply chain, one where women’s voices are heard and valued at every level.
Stop waiting! Step into our fields, our roastery, and our story. Tour spots available now! tap on link below
If it’s GOOD for earth, it is GOOD FOR YOU!
Leadership Development and Breaking Barriers
True empowerment comes through in the reflection of leadership. We have seen firsthand how the women at our farm have become innovators, educators, and decision-makers in their own right. They are leading sustainability initiatives, developing community projects, and overseeing crucial aspects of our operations.
By breaking barriers in agriculture, female leaders are redefining the future of specialty coffee in Puerto Rico, showing that their expertise and vision are essential to building a more resilient and dynamic industry. Their success inspires not only our team but the entire community to see the power of female leadership.
Our Promise to YOU
The future of coffee is stronger when women lead. We are proud to support female farmers, elevate their representation, and champion equality across our community. Every coffee bean tells a story of resilience, leadership, and hope. Our story is unique because as we grow our coffee we are nurturing the future female voices of the coffee world.
-We hope to see YOU SOON!
Experience the Best! Visit Puerto Rico’s Premier Coffee Farm!
Come see the Maricao Mountains for yourself. Walk through volcanic soil, listen to the springs that feed the farm, and taste coffee grown with integrity. Whether you’re here for a tour or to take home a bag, Hacienda Iluminada offers a taste of Puerto Rico you’ll never forget.
From our hands on Hacienda Iluminada to your cup, 787 Coffee is on a mission to redefine what it means to drink Puerto Rican coffee.
We grow every single bean ourselves.
We practice real sustainable farming—no greenwashing, just love for the land.
Every sip you take supports local farmers, protects our forests, and keeps our coffee legacy alive for the next generation.
Ready for the trip of a lifetime? Come to Maricao. Walk the fields. Smell the fresh-roasted beans. Feel the heartbeat of Puerto Rico in every single cup.
👉 Ready to taste the tradition? Book your unforgettable Hacienda Iluminada coffee tour today at HaciendaIluminada.com!