While attending the 2016 Compak Golden Bean Coffee Roasters Competition and Conference, we asked these lovely women

What is your Greatest Achievement so far in 2016?

It’s been a big year – I got married in October and started a new job at SilverChef the day after my honeymoon. It has ignited a newfound respect for the hospitality industry and the people who make it tick.
Prue West, SilverChef

Where has this year gone? We seem to work harder and longer than ever. With overseeing continued expansion at our roasting plant, along with daily production, the year is a blur. This is the first year Jim and I have attended the Golden Bean, and we are here for the full five days. This must be due to my exceptional organisingal skills!
Doris Niesen-Baruta, Quists Coffee

I’m excited to be working within the coffee industry and learning about the passion, quality and craftsmanship that goes into each cup.
Abby Joyce, Dairy Farmers, Pura, Masters & Vitasoy

My greatest achievement in 2016 has been the growth and success of our team and our national loyalty program.  Personally, I also got married this year and had an amazing honeymoon, wining and dining throughout Europe – where I have a new love and hunger for anything Spanish and Greek!
Alana Hesse, SilverChef

This year I have enjoyed being a part of changing the face of coffee in a regional town. I love being a part of a small community and supporting local fundraisers and charity groups through our coffee.
Simone Loring, Bricks & Mortar Coffee Co.

I love the community side of coffee! When I was new to my neighbourhood, I managed to bring our whole street together by making a tray of coffees for the adults and babyccinos for the kids.  One year later, we have an awesome community that all started from that one tray of coffees.
Kayla Hanna, Kayla’s Specialty Coffee

I was given the opportunity to sit my Q Grading. I’m happy to say that I am now an Arabica Q Grader.
Emma Bath, Bennetts

After living and working in the US for seven years, I accepted the position of Sales Executive with Café Culture International. My husband and I relocated back to Australia, and it’s been an absolute pleasure working with a team of professionals whose dedication and commitment to the success of the business is extraordinary.
Chrissie Schedny, Cafe Culture International

Trusting my instincts, learning and listening to others.
Melissa Caia, William Angliss Institue Coffee Academy

This year I took the plunge and decided to compete, coming second in the Victorian Southern Regionals Barista Competitions, Brewers Cup. I opened a communal roasting space in Melbourne called Maillard Atelier. In July I visited Colombia, Guatemala, Kenya, Tanzania and Atlanta for First Crop Coffee and also plunged back into performance, taking my acting career seriously. I’m exhausted!
Celina Lazarus, First Crop Coffee /Maillard Atelier

If an opportunity presents itself in front of you, always say yes, no matter how out of your comfort zone it may make you feel. Following this mantra in 2016, I have had the opportunity to compete in WRBC in Brisbane, watch a friend in China for the “World Coffee in Good Spirits”, sat and passed my exam for judging the WBC, and judged at the WBC in Dublin.
Michaela Gerard
Grinders Coffee

Moving to Australia and making Sydney my home – to support our current and potential members in sustainable sourcing of delicious coffees and increase awareness around how sustainability is essential, adding value to a successful and flourishing coffee sector. Looking forward to meeing with you!
Melanie Mokken, UTZ