This week, Moka Origins had the privilege of welcoming students from the Penn State Smeal College of Business Sapphire Leadership Program to our Honesdale facility. Every year, we look forward to engaging with talented students from this class as they tackle real-world challenges as consultants. This year’s mission: to evaluate Moka Origins as a leading social impact company and craft core values that articulate our mission to customers while guiding our internal practice.
These students represent the future of our industry and the future of Moka Origins. As discerning consumers, they value clean food, sustainability, and ethical supply chains, aligning seamlessly with our mission to build a healthier and more equitable world. During their visit, the students had the unique opportunity to interview key members of our team, including Joe, our Chocolate Production Manager; Beth, our Head of Confectionary; Grace, our Lead Barista and Tour Host; and Josh, our Head Roaster. These conversations gave the students a true sense of who Moka is as a company and as an employer committed to fostering a supportive and inclusive workplace. They also explored Moka’s culture, values, and social impact initiatives, gaining firsthand insight into our practices and priorities.
Our collaboration with Penn State owes much to the dedication of Professor Özge Pala, a trusted mentor and long-time advocate of ethical business practices. Professor Pala’s hands-on approach extends beyond the classroom; she even traveled with us to Costa Rica to visit Monte Verde Coffee and Finca La Amistad, and to Mexico to connect with our partners at Revival Cacao. Her passion for embedding ethics into business education inspires her students—and us!
Professor Pala in Mexico helping Moka Origins inaugurate a 7,000 tree coffee farm with local community members.
Next month, I’ll be visiting Penn State to review the students’ final projects and provide feedback on their proposed core values for Moka Origins. Collaborating with these bright minds not reinforce our commitment to ethical practices and also reminds us of the impact we can have in shaping a sustainable future.
We eagerly anticipate the creative solutions the students will present and hope this partnership leaves a lasting impression on their professional journeys. To the Penn State Smeal College of Business, thank you for your commitment to fostering ethical leadership and for helping us craft a better tomorrow—one thoughtful decision at a time.