Our Story
Empowering the Coffee Community
The Color of Coffee Collective is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to driving equitable change throughout every facet of the specialty coffee supply chain.
The Color of Coffee Collective envisions a global coffee community where diverse voices and talents are celebrated, uplifted, and empowered.
Our Mission
Our mission is to break down barriers to access, representation, and resources within the coffee industry, ensuring that underrepresented groups have equitable opportunities for growth and success. Through community engagement, educational programs, and creative partnerships, we aim to cultivate a thriving, inclusive coffee culture that reflects the richness of our shared human experience.
Message from our Founder
I founded The Color of Coffee Collective to break down barriers and create clear, accessible pathways for minority communities to thrive in this global industry—an industry that is the second most traded commodity in the world after oil and gas. My vision was to make specialty coffee education affordable and transparent, so that young men and women who look like me can not only enter the field but experience the financial security, pride, and joy that come with being a part of it.
Coffee is universal—it fuels our mornings, sparks conversations, and connects us across cultures. I believe it can also be a catalyst for transformative, inclusive change. Through this collective, I want to ensure that everyone, regardless of their background, has the opportunity to not just consume coffee, but to shape its future.
Keith Hawkins, Founder & CEO
Our Team
MsTrena Byas
Administrative Assistant
Mstrena@colorofcoffeecollective.com
Michael Mcgee Jr.
Director of Education
Michael@colorofcoffeecollective.com
Erica Petropoulos-Justice
Director of Community & Marketing
Erica@colorofcoffeecollective.com
Dee Rosa
Creative Director
Dee@colorofcoffeecollective.com
Our Partners
Support Our Cause
Your donation to The Color of Coffee Collective directly supports our mission to create a more equitable and inclusive coffee industry. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, we are committed to driving meaningful change through education, advocacy, and community engagement.
Join us in making a difference. Every donation, no matter the size, helps us move closer to a future where coffee is accessible and equitable for all. Thank you for your support!