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.
This session will explore the intersection of cacao agroforestry, cultural preservation, and artisanal chocolate production, showcasing how local communities are intertwining ancient traditions with modern sustainability practices.
A 15-minute Q&A discussion will follow the presentation.
Instructors: Matthew Krystal, PhD, professor of anthropology and associate chair, Coffee Lab Advisory Board, North Central College; Mirna Rojas, founder, Chocolate Doña Pancha
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.
Mirna Rojas, founder, Chocolate Doña Pancha
Mirna Rojas is the founder of Chocolate Doña Pancha, an Indigenous-owned chocolate shop in Quetzaltenango, Guatemala, named in honor of her grandmother. Coming from a long line of female chocolatiers, Rojas recognized the potential of chocolate to be both a cultural heritage and a formal business. After studying business at Rafael Landivar University, she developed recipes for chocolates and opened Doña Pancha, a unique blend of a candy store, café, museum, and art gallery. Since 2013, she has worked with Enactus NCC to bring her products to the U.S. market, supporting her vision of employing K’iche’ women and connecting global consumers with a 3,400-year-old cacao tradition.
What to Know
This program meets indoors.
Program Schedule
Saturday, February 1, 2025, 11:00 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.
Cudahy Room, Administration and Research Center, East Side
