Who we are

Meaning of “Berraca”

Six women standing outdoors on grass, smiling, with trees and a building with a metal roof in the background.

Berracas Cafe is more than just coffee; it's a movement rooted in the lush hills of Huila, Colombia. Our name, "Berracas," celebrates the strength and resilience of the women farmers who cultivate our exceptional beans. In Colombian slang, "berraca" refers to a woman who is brave, determined, and unstoppable – qualities that perfectly describe our cooperative of female farmers.

By choosing Berracas Cafe, customers don't just enjoy exceptional Colombian coffee – they become part of a movement that empowers women, sustains communities, and brews positive change with every sip.

Stylized illustration of a woman with flowing hair blending green, brown, and beige colors.

Our Team

Megan Leigh Willy

Founder & CEO of Berracas Café

& Lead Business Strategist

Megan Willy is a sustainable design strategist and founder of Berracas Cafe, a specialty coffee importing company rooted in ethical sourcing and community empowerment. Her journey began in 2018 in Huila, Colombia, where she met Julieth Vargas Liberato during the early stages of Berracas Cafe. Inspired by Julieth’s leadership and the resilience of women coffee farmers in the region, Megan has since worked closely with local cooperatives to bring exceptional, socially impactful coffees to market.

Combining her expertise in sustainable design with a passion for coffee, Megan is dedicated to fostering transparent, equitable relationships that honor the people and stories behind every cup.

A woman with long black hair smiling and standing in front of stacks of burlap sacks filled with potatoes. She is wearing a white polo shirt, blue jeans, and holding a red ball.

Juliethe Vargas Liberato

Libermont Café, CEO

Coffee Production Extraordinaire & Community Logistics Manager

Juliethe Vargas was born on February 28, 1983, in the small town of Gigante, nestled in Colombia’s renowned Huila region. As a trained Agricultural Engineer, she brings deep expertise and a genuine passion for coffee and community-driven initiatives. Julieth currently serves as the legal representative of the Agropecuaria Café Femenino Gigante Association (AGROCAFEM), where she is dedicated to empowering local farmers—especially women—by sharing her knowledge to improve both their crops and quality of life.

A strong advocate for fair trade and ethical practices, Julieth envisions a future where coffee growers receive just compensation for their hard work and dedication. She believes that every cup should reflect not only the exceptional quality and flavor of Huila’s coffee, but also the commitment and passion of the people behind each bean.

Megan and Juliethe met in 2018 while collaborating with Coocentral, Sustainable Harvest, and Levi-Strauss. They later met in New York. And now they build futures together through Berracas Café!

Jonathan Hirshowitz

Co-Founder & Executive Director

Jonathan met Megan in 2023, and their shared love for culture, travel, and meaningful work led them to Colombia in early 2025. When he learned about Megan’s deep connection to Colombian coffee and her experience working with farmers, he encouraged her to launch a brand that could amplify the voices of women in coffee—and Berracas Cafe was born.

As a coffee enthusiast and advocate for sustainability and gender equity, Jonathan brings strategic vision and a commitment to social impact to the Berracas mission. He works closely with the team to promote ethical sourcing and strengthen relationships with farming communities.

Camilo Andrés Ordóñez Mendez

Educator & Coffee Sustainability Expert

Camilo Andrés Ordóñez Mendez is a professional coffee taster and dedicated instructor from Garzón, Huila, Colombia. He works at SENA, the National Learning Service, a government institution that provides free education and training to coffee producers and other key sectors across the country. Camilo’s daily work involves tasting coffees and teaching others, sharing his expertise to help local coffee growers improve the quality of their products and strengthen Colombia’s coffee industry. As a SENA instructor, he plays a vital role in empowering new generations of producers, fostering innovation, and promoting excellence in one of Colombia’s most iconic industries.

Camilo and Megan met in 2018 while working with Coocentral’s Café Mujeres, Levi-Strauss, and Sustainable Harvest.

AGROCAFEM

Huila, Colombia 2025

Martha Estella Ortiz

  • Mis Yiya, CEO

Martha Lucia Suárez

Ofelia Palacios

Rocio Quintero

  • Coffee Rocci, CEO

Amparo Guzmán

Delia Cárdenas

Julieth Vargas Liberato

Luz Amparo Camacho

  • Café Villa del Prado, CEO

Luzday Liliana Fajardo Falla