"My journey into coffee education was neither linear nor planned. Coffee called me, and it’s now one of the most important things of my life". Luz Stella Artajo’s decade-long career as an educator in the coffee industry is marked by dedication and passion. For more than ten years, she has been a respected Coffee Quality Institute (CQI) Instructor, making a significant impact on the global coffee community. Born and raised in Colombia, Luz joined CQI in 2014 as a Q Arabica Instructor. Over the years, she expanded her role, achieving distinctions such as Q Processing Instructor Level 1 in 2018 and Assistant Instructor for Q Processing Level 2 in 2019. Throughout her career, she has taught and inspired students in more than 22 countries, greatly contributing to coffee education worldwide.
From Academia to Coffee
When asked about her educational background, Luz gave a small smile and laughed, saying, “It’s been an interesting story.” Luz studied Food Engineering at university and later earned a PhD in Food Sciences. At that time, she had little involvement with coffee. Her journey took a turn when she moved back to Colombia after completing her PhD. In 2008, she was hired as an auditor for Cup of Excellence, which became her entry point into the world of coffee. She served as an auditor for three consecutive years, which sparked her interest in the field and motivated her to learn more.
“After being an auditor for Cup of Excellence, I continued learning about coffee, taking classes, getting involved in projects, and joining events,” Luz shared. In 2016, she completed a master's degree in Coffee Economics and Science from Illy in Italy. She further completed her studies with a second master's in international business in Barcelona and completed Post-Harvest Processing courses QP1, QP2, and QP3 with CQI. “These were the initial steps that led to my deep involvement with CQI and coffee education. Although I never formally studied education, I’ve always had a strong passion for teaching. My academic background allows me to integrate everything I’ve learned into my teaching, which I believe has given me a unique advantage.”
First Experience as a CQI Instructor
Luz’s first experience as a CQI Instructor was in Myanmar, where she conducted her first Q Grader Arabica course. This pivotal moment marked the beginning of her diverse teaching journey. Reflecting on this moment, Luz shares, “Teaching my first Q Grader Course barefoot in a local coffee laboratory taught me the importance of cultural adaptation. Beyond the technical content, adapting to the people, places, and cultures is crucial to achieving desired results as an instructor.” This experience defined her teaching style and prepared her for the multicultural coffee community she would engage with in the years to come.
These early experiences underscored the importance of cultural sensitivity and adaptability, which have become cornerstones of her teaching philosophy. “As an instructor, one must adapt teaching styles to accommodate different generations in the same class. My experience in Myanmar profoundly influenced how I conduct my courses worldwide. It opened my perspective and marked a pivotal moment in my teaching career.”
Learnings in Burundi
Burundi holds a special place in Luz’s heart due to the significant challenges she faced there. “It was my first time conducting a Pre-Q with minimal resources. It requires significant adaptation and positively impacted my career as an educator,” she shares. These experiences highlight her resilience and dedication to imparting coffee education under diverse conditions.
Favorite Skill to Teach?
When asked about her favorite part of teaching, Luz finds it hard to choose just one. “If I had to choose one only area that I enjoy teaching the most, it would be coffee cupping and teaching the cupping protocols.”
“Watching each person’s cupping process evolve, seeing my students follow a specific order, and achieving synchronicity in the process is very gratifying. It’s a significant teamwork effort that makes a positive difference in the overall dynamic of each course,” she explains.
Any Advice for New Educators?
Luz offers practical advice to aspiring educators in the coffee industry. “An educator must have deep knowledge and a commitment to continuous learning. For me, there are four essential elements to being a successful educator in this field: 1) knowledge, 2) the ability to convey it, 3) vocation, and 4) passion. Excellence is key to making a real impact.” She also stresses the importance of empathy and willingness to constantly improve, both crucial for effective teaching and student engagement.
What do you like most about CQI?
“As an instructor, I always emphasize the credibility of the CQI system. What has truly distinguished CQI from other organizations is the program’s credibility over so many years. The rigor of the system has ensured that formal education is provided to the world,” she explains. The CQI’s system is well-structured, with clear guidelines, and all presentations follow a consistent order and syllabus, ensuring that all objectives are met by every instructor. This, combined with “punctual, rigorous, and strict technical support” is what Luz believes makes CQI excellent.
A Legacy of Learning
“Educators have the power to profoundly impact their students and the broader coffee community. It’s my purpose to continue making that impact.” Luz’s commitment to coffee education extends beyond borders, shaped by experiences across continents. Her journey has enriched her career, molding her into a compassionate and effective coffee quality educator. As she continues to share her passion and knowledge, Luz’s legacy of adaptability, knowledge, and dedication will continue to inspire the next generation of coffee professionals. Looking ahead, she aims to broaden her impact, innovate in teaching methods, and foster growth within the global coffee community.
