Presenting Slate for the 2020-2022 BG Leadership Council
The election process for the 2020-2022 BG Leadership Council elections is officially underway. After several weeks of nominations, we have a slate for the two available seats on the council.
We would like to extend our thanks to the Nominating Committee for their efforts in selecting such a talented slate of candidates for this year’s election!
Meet your new slate: Aashifa Hussain, Francisco Gudino, Jerry More Magohomera, and Zoey Thorson.
Aashifa Hussain
Barista Trainer, Well Grounded UK, London, UK
Aashifa started her career in the Speciality Coffee Industry back in 2016 as a Barista where her love of coffee was sparked. She's worked as a Head Barista and now is a Barista Trainer, Employability coach and accredited AST for Well Grounded Jobs CIC. Well Grounded supports those who are experiencing barriers to employment into fulfilling careers in the specialty coffee industry. She co-founded an events platform called the Kore Directive to support young women in the coffee industry in gaining additional coffee skills. She regularly hosts forums for other ASTs, and volunteers on an advisory board for Girl Dreamer. In addition to this, Aashifa is an avid reader, enjoys watching all sports (her favorite being rugby), and has a love for all things ice-cream related.
Francisco Gudino
Founder, Silvestre Coffee, Tijuana, Mexico
Paco Gudiño was born in San Diego, CA raised in Tijuana, México. I have been building a network in coffee for six years since I was first introduced to specialty coffee by the vast number of coffee shops that were thriving both sides of the border in San Diego and Tijuana. I fell in love with the sensory experience of flavors of coffee and the openness of its community. I am the founder of Silvestre, a sustainability-driven coffee brand acting locally on waste minimization, climate change, and water security to promote a more sustainable society through a cup of coffee. What I love the most about coffee is the diversity of its community and the possibilities of innovation for the future.
Jerry More Magohomera
Cafe Manager, Bäckerei & MarktCafé Schoenen, Krefeld, Germany
My name is Jerry More Magohomera and I am originally from Zimbabwe but now I got a new home in the part of North Rhine-Westphalia Krefeld, Germany. My passion for Speciality Coffee began when I volunteered at the World Barista Championship event in Amsterdam and since then I never looked back. Before discovering coffee I had a career as a Tour Leader specializing in East&Southern Africa Overland Safaris, through my work I had various opportunities of assisting in fundraising for micro-projects in the coffee farming communities. Recently I joined Birdie&Co Deli.Cafe in Düsseldorf Metropol, we specialize in Bio&Vegan products, and in the team I have a role of a barista. My motivation and passion to grow professionally as a barista drives me to promote Barista Guild events in different parts of the world, connecting people while sharing factual, meaningful, and knowledgeable experiences.
Zoey Thorson
Director of Operations, Felix Roasting Co, New York, USA
Zoey Thorson is a veteran specialty coffee professional with experience in every aspect of the supply stream. She has worked from farm level to cup and has had experience working with and teaching professionals all over the globe. Recently, she returned back to her home in New York City to join the team at Felix Roasting Co, where she does everything from training baristas and roasting coffee to managing PR and operations. Zoey is an Arabica Q-Grader, as well as a Specialty Coffee Association Authorized Trainer in the Brewing and Barista Skills modules. Zoey has contributed her time and skillset to the BGA and SCAA in the past and is excited to potentially be able to keep the Guild relevant and assessable on a more global level by contributing to the Leadership Council. Outside of world coffee, Zoey is an aspiring mermaid of sorts and avid fermenter of things.