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People

industry representation of both women and men role models. event into semi-annual; one event will be held in Europe, and an-
Then more women might be encouraged to enter competitions other outside of Europe. Considered the salary of baristas, Sonja
and pursue a career in coffee. Hopefully, the Barista Connect could wishes the switch the location of the event to somewhere that is
help women to build self-confidence, support, and leadership. convenient for the attendees. She also told us that the sponsorship
Next year, Barista Connect is planning to turn the annual is vital for the improvement and development of Barista Connect.

Annemarie Tiemes

Education Field Manager at Speciality Coffee Association of Europe (SCAE)

brew method; Cezve or ibrik coffee.” She told us. This lovely lady
who would cuddle you every time she sees you was a wine taster.
Her unplanned volunteer experience in 2009 took her into the
coffee world. She had been the Education Field Manager at SCAE
since 2011. At the beginning, it was difficult because she was the
only one in the department. But with her efforts, she managed to
build-up the team of 10. Annemarie had been a trainer ever since
she entered the coffee industry, and she witnessed the growth
of the specialty coffee and the systematic development of that
specialty coffee education.
Annemarie had taught more than a thousand students
after five years in the educational program. Although, most of
her students are 75% male, the percentage of female’s number
are growing. Annemarie is very happy to see that more female
is entering the coffee industry, they work as baristas, judges,
professors, and much more.

More Voice From Women
When we asked about have she ever encounter the
gender bias problem, she answered “I am Dutch with a big
shot of Singaporean blood and that makes me quite direct and
straightforward. Also, I am not always easy to overlook, because
I am not afraid to voice my opinion.” Although she had never
personally encountered the gender bias problem, but she knows
such problem does exist. Annemarie mentioned how women will
have to deal with many kinds of challenges, and some of these
challenges might cause by educational level and culture differ-
ence. She strongly believes that women should speak up.
Annemarie’s courage and determination had set a
good example for the women in the industry, but there are
more women that she considers as a great role model. Those
who work tirelessly to spend their money and time to organize
competitions are also the industry’s role models. From the other
women’s stories, Annemarie believes that she could do even
Training is the foundation of each industry; it is es- more and better for the coffee industry.
pecially important in the highly professional required coffee
industry. All the baristas, roasters, and cuppers will have to go Not Men You Should Compete but Yourself
through the training session to guarantee their expertise, and In such men dominated industry, we still can find many
ensure the quality of their work. SCAE has internationally rec- successful women. They have one thing in common, which is
ognized as the best training and education organization for the believing in themselves and they are not afraid to stand up for
coffee industry, and Annemarie Tiemes is one of the leaders in themselves.” Annemarie stated that she would never adjust the
this training program. teaching method based on gender difference, she said “everyone
learns best different way and it is up to the trainer to adjust.
Teacher, not only teach, but also dispel doubts What works for one person, might not work for someone else.”
This year’s Barista Connect had invited many women For those who cannot clearly recognize their style or their char-
from different positions in the coffee industry as guest speaker; acteristic, Annemarie recommends them to do a personality test
Annemarie is the representative speaker of the training section. and self SWOT (Strength, Weakness, Opportunity, and Threat)
“Barista Connect was an amazing event. I really loved the hands- analysis. They should remain neutral when judging oneself, so
on sessions, because I got to surprise people with my favorite they could learn better.
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