“The professors who had a hand in sharing ideas and mentoring me throughout my time at CWRU were key for helping me continue on to success.”
—Pablo Lopez, ’18
Co-Founder and CEO, Mocina Coffee
Two years ago, Pablo Lopez graduated from Case Western Reserve University’s Weatherhead School of Management with a degree in finance and the beginnings of a successful, socially responsible coffee business.
This semester, he’s turning to current CWRU students to provide insights to help grow Mocina Coffee into a household name.
Mocina pays coffee farmers in Huehuetenango, Guatemala, an average of 34 percent above fair trade prices and provides work on a year-round basis, as farmers both grow and roast their beans. Pablo says this business model offers enhancements that, “allow us to take better care of our people.”
And, speaking of taking care of his people, by teaming up with students in Weatherhead’s Action Learning course, Pablo is creating meaningful learning opportunities for his alma mater, while gaining fresh perspectives to growing his business’ online subscription model.
His advice? “You should first ask yourself if your business concept is truly adding value to the world.”
A CWRU grad ⏩ A socially responsible startup ⏩ Hands-on learning experiences ⏩ Your business success ⏩ Learning from and sharing with the next generation.