Jim Kelso
As Director of Quality Assurance at Stumptown Coffee Roasters in Portland, Oregon, Jim Kelso sits at the intersection of craft, consistency, and innovation. With years of hands-on experience overseeing sourcing standards, roasting protocols, and brew quality.
Darnesha Bowman
As CEO of Black Coffee Northwest in Seattle, Washington, Darnesha Bowman has built a platform dedicated to elevating independent cafés, roasters, and coffee professionals who are often overlooked by the mainstream industry. Through community-driven events, advocacy, and education, Bowman has positioned herself at the forefront of a growing movement that prioritizes people, place, and purpose over scale.
Cassy Gleason
As co-founder and owner of Buckman Coffee Factory and co-owner of Marigold Coffee in Portland, Oregon, Cassy Gleason has built cafés that function as more than places to grab a drink—they are neighborhood anchors. Her work reflects a deep belief that specialty coffee is as much about people and place as it is about beans, brewing methods, or trends.
