A Global Tribute to Women in Coffee: Vanusia Nogueira Named One of Brazil’s Most Powerful Women by Forbes
As Women’s History Month came to a close this March, Forbes Brazil honored Vanusia Nogueira, Executive Director of the International Coffee Organization (ICO), by including her in its prestigious list of Brazil’s Most Powerful Women of 2025. The recognition celebrates her leadership and tireless efforts to champion women across the coffee value chain.
Women’s History Month, officially recognized by the U.S. Congress in 1987, has since become an international moment of reflection and celebration, highlighting women’s contributions in politics, science, economics—and agriculture. This year, the International Coffee Organization marked the occasion with a remarkable digital campaign that illuminated the vital yet often overlooked role of women in the coffee industry throughout history.
ICO’s “Women in Coffee History” Series
To honor the month, the ICO launched a dedicated Instagram series titled “Women in Coffee History,” which traced the legacy of influential women who have shaped coffee culture across the ages. The series began with the discovery of coffee and its journey from Yemen to the rest of the world, following its trade through major historical ports like Mokha and its expansion into Africa, the Ottoman Empire, Europe, and beyond.
Each post in the series spotlighted a specific woman who made a meaningful impact in her era—whether in farming, trade, science, entrepreneurship, or social reform. The ICO’s goal was to rebalance a narrative that has historically favored male figures, by restoring visibility to the many women who helped shape the global coffee landscape.
A Well-Deserved Honor for Vanusia Nogueira
Vanusia Nogueira’s inclusion in the Forbes list reflects her groundbreaking role as the first woman to lead the ICO, an intergovernmental organization that plays a central role in shaping global coffee policies. At the Forbes Power Lunch event held on March 28 at Fasano Jardins in São Paulo, Vanusia delivered a powerful message:
“My work today is to amplify the challenges women in agriculture face and to ensure that young people take pride in working in the fields—while also earning a prosperous income.”
The International Coffee Organization responded to the announcement with a heartfelt message: “We couldn’t think of a better way to conclude our Women’s History Month special series than with this incredible news: our Executive Director has been named one of Brazil’s Most Powerful Women by Forbes. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Vanusia and all the inspiring women recognized with this prestigious award!”
A Celebration of Female Leaders Across Industries
The Forbes Brazil event honored 13 women leading in fields ranging from energy and finance to education and digital innovation. Notable names on the list included Magda Chambriard, President of Petrobras; Patricia Muratori, YouTube’s Director for Latin America; and Geyze Diniz, Chair of the Pact Against Hunger.
Vanusia’s recognition is especially significant for the global coffee sector, where millions of women—from farmers to cuppers to exporters—play essential roles but rarely receive the spotlight. Her leadership represents a broader shift in the industry: a move toward equity, inclusion, and sustainability that puts people—especially women—at the center.
Qahwa World’s Perspective: A Message for the Future
At Qahwa World, we view this recognition not simply as a personal achievement, but as a symbolic moment for all women in coffee. Vanusia Nogueira stands not only as a leader, but as a representative of countless women who have worked in the background of the global coffee story—often without recognition.
This award affirms that there can be no truly sustainable future for coffee without empowering women, acknowledging their labor, and granting them the voice and visibility they have long deserved.
