Meet the Women Behind Your Brazilian Coffee

The United Nations named 2026 as the International Year of the Woman Farmer to shine a light on the essential contributions women make to agrifood systems and the barriers they continue to face. Sucafina is marking the year by sharing the perspectives of women working across the coffee supply chain, and we’ve already heard from women in Uganda, Guatemala, Colombia and Rwanda.

In this edition, we’re speaking with a coffee farmer who works with Sucafina Brasil, as well as two of our team members. They share what coffee means to them, what they enjoy most about their work and the advice they would give to young women who are interested in a career in coffee.

Maria Aparecida da Silva – Coffee Farmer

What does a day in your life look like?

I’m 81 years old so today, I do a little less than I used to! I used to help with the picking but now that I’m older, I stay home more. I help with the laundry and sweeping the patio.

What do you like most about working with coffee?

Coffee means everything to me. There's no way to even put it into words. For those of us with smaller pieces of land, coffee is essential. It’s all good.

Coffee runs in the family for us. I learned coffee farming from my father and I passed it on to my children and grandchildren. My daughter was a teacher and is retired now, but my son and his children work in coffee. Seeing my family working in coffee makes me feel so happy and fulfilled.

What advice do you have for women looking to start coffee farming?

Nurture a love for life and a love for the coffee plant. Invest in your crop, save up and work with love.

Milena Goncalves de Oliveira – Production Planning Specialist, Sucafina Brasil

What does a day in your job look like?

I joined Sucafina three years ago and I’m now Production Planning Specialist at Sucafina Brasil. In my role, I get to the warehouse around 8 AM. I check the production planning for the day and have an operational talk with the whole team.

During the day, I keep following up on the schedules for loading and unloading, checking in continuously with the Logistics and Quality teams to ensure we can meet our deadlines and stay on top of planning.

What do you like most about your job?

At the end of the day, when all the containers are ready to be shipped and go to the port, it’s very satisfying.

What’s your advice to women who want to work in coffee?

I believe it’s very important for women to be confident. Have confidence in your knowledge and don’t be afraid to bring it to the table and share your experience.

Thamires Santos Sampaio – Accounting Manager, Sucafina Brasil

What does a day in your job look like?

I’ve been working for Sucafina for seven years and I’m now Accounting Manager at Sucafina Brasil. During my workday, I carry out financial analysis. I’m responsible for accounting activities and I support my team and my director.

What do you like most about your job?

What I like most is the possibility to contribute to the company and its growth.

What’s your advice to women who want to work in coffee?

Trust in your journey and be open to learning every day. The coffee industry has many opportunities. Use your voice and your position, and don’t be afraid to take your place.

Interested in booking coffee from Brazil or want to find out more about our supply chains? Reach out to your trader to explore our offering.