Meet Melina Devoney

We had the good fortune of connecting with Melina Devoney and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Melina, can you talk to us a bit about the social impact of your business?
As a freelance writer, I have the unique opportunity to choose the stories I share with my audience. I believe that giving someone the space to tell their story is one of the most powerful acts we can offer one another. I aim to share the perspective of people in communities around the world who historically have been given less space to do so. I specialize in the coffee industry because coffee offers an approachable, relatable and impactful platform for environmental and social justice. I hope that my articles, with a diversity of perspectives and truths, help foster understanding and compassion for each other and our environment.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I have a B.A. in Biology and an M.S. in International Agricultural Development and I had planned to work in agricultural research, extension or development. In my travels and studies I saw the many amazing people and projects already out there that weren’t getting adequate recognition and weren’t communicating amongst each other. I saw the missing link was sharing their stories.

I’ve been writing mainly for Perfect Daily Grind and Barista Magazine for about three years. Previously, I was a barista for several years and had various roles in the coffee industry. I’ve worked in Guatemala with coffee producers and was a speaker at the Producer Roaster Forum in Colombia. I got to where I am circuitously, but I’ve always been guided by an insatiable curiosity, knack for listening, and love of coffee and the people behind it.

My goal in my writing is to use coffee – the world’s favorite drink – as a lens into broader social and environmental issues. I’m proud that I’ve seen the fruits of this labor among the people around me. I’ve learned along the way that it’s crucial to seek out interviewees that are not just the easiest to contact or most outspoken; journalism doesn’t need the same prominent voices over and over. I aim to quote a diversity of voices in my writing, highlighting people who are historically under-represented, and craft stories that dive deeper into the cultural significance of the topic.

I get the “ick” from jobs easily, so I have to truly love what I do. I feel so lucky that, as a freelancer, I can mesh my passions for coffee, social and environmental justice, and running into my career and community. At the end of the day, being active in my local and charity running communities is rooted in the same core value of coffee — fostering connection. Continuing to grow and combine these two passions is what I’m currently most looking forward to.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Top priority would be sunrise & sunset hikes (or runs if they will humor me) around all the LA parks: Griffith, Elysian, Echo Park Lake, LA State Historic Park, Ernest E. Debs, Montecito Heights, Kenneth Hahn Park, Arroyo Seco/El Prieto/Brown Mountain Dam, etc.

Of course, we’d make a LOT of coffee stops: Groundwork, Dayglow, Regent, Cipota, Kindness & Mischief, Kumquat, Couplet, Supersweet, the list goes on and on.

We’d end the day with a show at a quintessential venue like the Roxy, Fonda, Echo/Echoplex, Avalon, Troubadour, Palladium or Greek Theater, or in a park or warehouse!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I have so many people to thank for supporting and encouraging me! If I can only name a few:

My high school Social Studies teacher Becca Leopold, who always stayed after the final bell to help me with my papers. Because of her, I became a confident writer and critical thinker.

Jeff Chean of Groundwork Organic Coffee, who willingly offers me his guidance and amazing opportunities in the coffee world.

The Indigenous-led running/activism organization Rising Hearts, who welcomed me onto their charity team this year.

Of course, my endlessly supportive and loving parents.

Instagram: @meldevoney

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melina-devoney

Other: https://perfectdailygrind.com/author/melinadevoney/

https://www.baristamagazine.com

Image Credits
Steven Carvente, Carl Maynard, Riley Gibson Graf