Join us for an enriching 30-minute presentation focused on the sustainable practices behind Chocolate Doña Pancha, an Indigenous-owned and operated chocolate shop in Quetzaltenango, Guatemala.
Offered in partnership with North Central College, this program will look at the intersection of cacao agroforestry, cultural preservation, and artisanal chocolate production—and the ways in which local communities are intertwining ancient traditions with modern sustainability practices.
A 15-minute Q&A discussion will follow the presentation.
This program is included with Arboretum general admission.
Instructors: Matthew Krystal, PhD, professor of anthropology and associate chair, Coffee Lab Advisory Board, North Central College; César Geovanni Quijivix Morales, director of design, Doña Pancha Chocolate
Age: 16 and older
Course number: E101
Instructors
Matthew Krystal, PhD, professor of anthropology and associate chair, Coffee Lab Advisory Board, North Central College
Matthew Krystal, PhD, is a professor of anthropology at North Central College and an active member of the Enactus team. With a passion for cultural anthropology, he has dedicated much of his career to studying the social and economic impact of global trade practices, particularly in coffee production. Krystal is also the founder of North Central College’s Coffee Lab, where he mentors students in the exploration of coffee’s cultural significance and its role in sustainable business practices. Through his work, Krystal empowers students to connect with local and international communities, enhancing their understanding of ethical sourcing and the global coffee industry.
César Geovanni Quijivix Morales, director of design, Doña Pancha Chocolate
César Geovanni Quijivix Morales grew up helping his grandmother and family make artisanal chocolate, sparking a passion for chocolate production at a very young age. After completing university studies in graphic design and advertising, he began working as a graphic designer, developing the brand and visual identity of Chocolate Doña Pancha. During this time, he also began training in cacao and chocolate making. As director of design at Chocolate Doña Pancha, Morales conducted research for the creation of the Doña Pancha Chocolate Museum, which opened in 2022. Through his roles with the museum and with Doña Pancha Chocolate, he contributes to the preservation and dissemination of cultural knowledge about cacao and chocolate in Guatemala and helps raise consumer awareness of the positive impact of chocolate made from high-quality Guatemalan cacao.
What to Know
This program meets indoors.
This program is included with Arboretum general admission and free to Arboretum members.
Space is limited; participants must register online and in advance.
Program Schedule
Saturday, January 31, 11:00 to 11:45 a.m.
Cudahy Room, Administration and Research Center (parking lot P-1), East Side
