Pono Collective, a dedicated 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, has been shaping the future of specialty coffee education since its inception in 2022. Committed to empowering students and professionals, the organization provides educational and professional development opportunities in both Hawai'i and El Salvador. By forging strong connections between aspiring culinary and hospitality professionals, seasoned industry experts, and specialty coffee leaders, Pono Collective is creating a vibrant, forward-thinking coffee community.
Key Focus Areas:
A Commitment to Education and Growth
Pono Collective’s core mission is to provide accessible and meaningful education for those passionate about specialty coffee. Their programs are designed to offer valuable learning experiences in a holistic and inclusive environment, ensuring that participants gain knowledge that is both practical and innovative.
Key Focus Areas:
- Educational Growth: Offering industry-driven learning experiences in coffee, hospitality, and culinary arts.
- Professional Development: Helping students and professionals build strong, sustainable careers.
- Global Connectivity: Bridging the gap between coffee communities in Hawai'i and El Salvador.
- Industry Engagement: Partnering with leaders and champions in specialty coffee to create hands-on opportunities.
Building Meaningful Connections in Coffee
Through collaborative efforts, Pono Collective actively engages with students and professionals, ensuring they have access to valuable industry insights, mentorship, and resources. The organization is dedicated to strengthening the coffee supply chain by fostering deeper relationships between producers, roasters, and hospitality professionals. How Pono Collective Impacts the Industry:- Empowers the Next Generation – Educates and mentors future coffee, culinary, and hospitality professionals.
- Promotes Thought Leadership – Encourages innovation through discussion and knowledge-sharing.
- Creates Opportunities for Growth – Develops pathways for students and professionals to enter the specialty coffee world.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Pono Collective
As Pono Collective moves forward into 2025, its mission remains clear: to strengthen and expand educational initiatives, create new opportunities for students, and continue its role as a catalyst for meaningful connections in the coffee industry. By leveraging partnerships, mentorships, and industry collaborations, the organization is paving the way for a more inclusive and innovative specialty coffee sector. Why Pono Collective Stands Out:- Hands-on Learning Opportunities for students and professionals.
- Global Network Expansion connecting Hawai'i and El Salvador.
- Commitment to Sustainability in coffee education and development.
- Industry-Leading Insights from seasoned coffee professionals.
Elevating Coffee Through Education and Community
Pono Collective is more than an educational initiative—it is a movement dedicated to the growth and advancement of specialty coffee. By fostering innovation, collaboration, and connection, it is ensuring a brighter future for coffee professionals across Hawai'i and El Salvador. If you’re passionate about specialty coffee and its potential, Pono Collective is the place where education meets opportunity, and community fuels success.
Contact Our Team!Other Blogs of Interest
Pono Collective 2024: A Hawai'i Coffee Education Experience
What is Pono Collective? Savor Brands has spent the last few years developing the Pono Collective with Hawai'i rooted education and engagement. The foundation of Pono Collective is built upon Savor Brand's own core values of kindness, mindfulness, and always striving to do the right thing. In Hawai...
2024 Pono Collective Coffee Education Experience: El Salvador & Guatemala
El Salvador is a powerhouse for specialty coffee and is known for its quality and notable varieties such as Pacas, Pacamara, and Bourbon. El Salvador's rich volcanic soil consistently produces award-winning coffee known around the world. The quality of Guatemala's coffee is recognized worldwide. Guat...
2024 Pono Collective: Hawai'i Coffee Education Recap
Pono Collective is a community and educational cooperative, that was established by Savor Brands, Title Sponsor of the World Coffee Roasting Championship and the US Coffee Roasting Championship. With its mission to showcase the coffee value chain from a holistic approach, students engage and connect wi...
Meet the Coffee Director & Arabica Q-Grader of Savor Brands
Marc Marquez is the Coffee Director and Q-Grader at Savor Brands. Savor Brands is located in Downtown Honolulu, HI. During the Pono Collective, students will learn sensory skills commonly used in the coffee industry. There's certain skill sets that are used to grade green coffee as well. Students wil...