Maria Patricia Somarriba

How you started in coffee – One week after graduating university, I landed in Costa Rica to train with my uncle’s coffee exporting company. A few months later the coffee buyer was let go, I was offered the role, and the rest is history. That was 31 years ago, and since then I’ve had a bunch of different roles, each more fulfilling than the last.

What you love about coffee – The people. I’ve met so many incredible folks across the whole chain, from origin all the way to roasting, and it’s honestly one of the best parts of this industry.

Your go-to karaoke song – Don’t Stop Believin’ – Journey

Your favorite hobby – Spending time with my family, weight training with great music, and reading.