Creating opportunities for a wide group of people to experience coffee seems like a goal we have for just for consumers. As good of a goal as that is, it is equally and maybe even more important that this goal be applied to the people who work in coffee. Sadly it is all too convenient for us to default to the easiest and most familiar options for those opportunities and as a result we tend to find a lack of diversity in the shop and beyond.  This does not need to be the case and to help show us what we can do what he is doing to address the issue, we are welcoming to the show, Keith Hawkins of The Color of Coffee Collective!  Keith Hawkins has been in the coffee industry for over 25 years and is a passionate coffee connoisseur. Keith’s pragmatic approach to the coffee industry is to educate, introduce and inspire the consumer, curator and the curious to explore an awe inspiring journey of coffee that will certainly compel conversations and change. Keith is the Founder of The Color of Coffee Collective and Koffee with Keith. The Color of Coffee Collective is comprised of diverse and talented minority coffee growers, farmers, producers, roasters, baristas, artists, and coffee enthusiasts. The mission of The Color of Coffee Collective is to educate people about the specialty coffee industry from a diverse perspective through symposiums, workshops, conferences, and open and honest conversations. This is a wonderful, deep, and maybe hard conversation that I hope inspires you!    We cover:  Keith's history in coffee Experiencing inequity in spite of qualifications Carving out a path and creating a conversation How the Color of Coffee Collective was founded Why we default to a lack of diversity Getting used to discomfort to make progess Resourcing the next generation Inclusive ambition and others focused legacy  How the collective has already inspired change Supply chain equity Advice to the next generation seeking opportunities What we can do to take action in our businesses Links: www.colorofcoffeecollective.com Instagram: @colorofcoffeecollective   Related episodes: 183 : Exploring Diversity w/ Phyllis Johnson 338: A Conversation w/ Martell Mason of The Sepia Coffee Project, Detroit, Michigan 322 : A Conversation w/ LaNisa Williams of Barista Life L.A. 225: Encore Founder Friday! Dorian Bolden of Beyu Caffe, Durham, NC     Interested in leveling up your coffee shop or setting up 1:1 coaching? Click here to schedule a free consulting discovery call with KTTS Click here to book a formal one-on-one consulting call! Visit our amazing Sponsors! www.groundcontrol.coffee www.pacficfoodservice.com www.coffeefest.com