Page 47 - #55 English

When talking about the currently popular topic; coffee round.” She also emphasizes that “it is important to believe in
competition, Annemarie expressed her opinion, “even though your dream and go for it!” It is not the man we should compete
there’s never been a female champion in the world coffee com- against, the only person that they should compete with is them-
petition such as WBC, WBrC, WLAC, Cup Tasters, WCIGS, selves. The most important thing is to improve and try to do
and WCIC, but you can there are always women in the finals better.

Sherri Johns

COE Head Judge & An Internationally Recognized Training Specialist

would attend to a competition. Sherri believes the culture differ-
ence between Asia and Western is the main reason why some
Asian women barista prefers to stay in the café, more than prov-
ing themselves on stage in a competition. Since 2002, 5 out of 12
American Barista Championship were won by women. In Rwan-
da, the number of women cupper had already exceeded male.
In Latin America, many of the coffee plantations are owned by
women. Sherri told us in the coffee industry women had proven
themselves in many different ways, becoming a champion is just
one of the method to do it.

Do Not Consider “Female” as a Special Tag
Sherri had been active in the coffee industry for over 38
years. In 2003, she was the only women who got invited to be the
head judge of the Cup of Excellence. However, this independent
and self-confident woman did not feel flattered or acted arrogant-
ly. Sherri said “in fact, if someone told me I was the “best” female
barista or cupper, I felt insulted. I had no intention of carrying
the banner as a female. I just had to be the best at whatever I do
and if I wasn’t, I will work hard to get there.” When encountered
gender bias and unfairness, she would choose to deal with it in
a humble manner. In Latin America, women’s social status were
relatively lower, but Sherri conquered the men there with her
excellent coffee making and cupping skills and politeness. She
had proven herself with talents, and no men dare to think of her
as just eye candy
Sherri shared a very interesting story in her career. In
2014, she was the Head judge of COE, she received a living milk
cow as a reward of her hard work. In Africa, a milk cow is consid-
ered as a huge fortune. All of her friends were laughing about this
special reward, and she would never forget that image. For Sherri,
You might have heard about WBC, but did you know to be the best barista or cupper does not mean anything but to be
that before WBC, the first Barista competition’s winner was the better self and to help others to achieve their goals, means a
actually a woman? This lady had becomes one of the founder lot to her. Sherri had given some advice to the young baristas and
and organizers of the WBC. She is Sherri Johns, also known as cuppers as follows:
COE Head Judge, ACE Director of Training, and internationally 1. If you only complain about the bias that you encountered, you
recognized training specialist. will never be successful. Improve yourself through hard work
and study from others in a humble manner and this will help
Championship is One of the Method to Prove Yourself you achieve your goals.
Back in 1978 in San Francisco, no one would ever expect 2. Build a connection with people from a different position, such
a woman to win the first ever barista competition. The final result as joining the organization like IWCA.
shocked all the judges and raised a huge debate about this non- 3. Seek help from your interpersonal relationship.
Italian female champion. However, the taste of Sherri’s cappuc-
cino defeated the gender bias problem, and finally, she got what We see optimism and tenacity from Sherri Johns, and we
she deserved. Her story inspired and gave hope to many women can feel her passion about people and coffee. Like what she told
who had encountered the gender bias. us “I have energy every day upon waking up to make it a good
Now after 38 years, the problem of gender bias had im- coffee day.” To support and improving the whole coffee supply
proved a lot. However, the inequality of male and female is still chain, and enjoy the happiness that coffee brings to me, this is
a big problem. In Asia especially, there are only very few women the biggest motivation in her life.
47