Welcome to "Brewing for Equity," a podcast dedicated to exploring the intersection of coffee and racial equity. In this episode, Phyllis Johnson chats with Catharina Hughey, the Executive Director of Dirt Coffee. This nonprofit social enterprise is committed to providing inclusive job opportunities for neurodivergent individuals.

Catharina recounts her path from studying international relations to working with nonprofits, eventually discovering her passion in the coffee sector. She highlights the significance of representation, intentional hospitality, and the unique practices at Dirt Coffee that create an inviting space for everyone.

Join us as we explore Catharina's journey, her mission to support local economies, and the meaningful impact of Dirt Coffee in building a more inclusive society. Whether you're passionate about coffee, a champion of social justice, or just curious about how these worlds intertwine, this episode is sure to inspire and inform.

Tune in and learn how Catharina and her team are making a difference, one cup at a time.

Guest Bio:

Catharina Hughey, MSW, is the CEO of Roots Colorado, operating as DIRT Coffee, a nonprofit dedicated to reducing underemployment among neurodivergent individuals through innovative hiring practices. With nearly 13 years of experience in nonprofit leadership and a personal commitment to disability justice, Catharina leads with passion and universal design. Under her guidance, DIRT Coffee has developed four evidence-based programs—internships, workshops, job development, and workforce training—along with the 'DIRT on the Road' mobile initiative. The organization also operates two community coffee shops in Historic Downtown Littleton and East Denver, which serve as hubs for community engagement and education on neurodivergent inclusion.

Beyond her work at DIRT Coffee, Catharina is active in the community, serving on the Littleton Downtown Development Authority, the University of Denver Alumni Council's DEI committee, and the Board of Directors for the Colorado Neurodiversity Chamber of Commerce. A graduate of the University of Denver with expertise in Organizational Leadership and Policy Practice, Catharina's leadership is deeply informed by her commitment to disability justice and intersectional equity.For more information, visit https://www.dirtcoffee.org. To contribute to their efforts, please visit https://www.dirtcoffee.org/donate.

Thank you for listening to "Brewing for Equity," where we believe in the power of coffee to create positive change. For more information about the Coffee Coalition for Racial Equity and to support our cause, follow us on Instagram @coffeeforequity or visit our website at Coffee Coalition for Racial Equity. Please donate at Pledge to Coffee Coalition For Racial Equity if you'd like to contribute to our efforts.

Theme music created by Kordz 📧kordzmusic@gmail.com

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