ORANGE — Women’s empowerment has long been one of the missions of Dean’s Beans Organic Coffee Co. So having its CEO serve on the board of the International Women’s Coffee Alliance is likely a natural fit.

Beth Spong was recently appointed to the board of directors for the global nonprofit that supports the work and growth of women in the international coffee community.

“The IWCA is an amazing organization with a 20-year track record in empowering women in the coffee industry, and that’s aligned with Dean’s Beans’ values, of course, and my personal and professional values,” she said. “So it just seemed like a great place where I could be able to contribute to help the organization reach its goals.”

Spong said she heard the news in the middle of January. She started with Dean’s Beans as a consultant about four years ago and then served as chief operating officer until being promoted to CEO on July 1, when founder Dean Cycon retired and the business became a worker-owned cooperative. Prior to her career in the coffee industry, Spong worked for many years in the nonprofit sector.

“So I feel (my appointment) is a great marriage of my skill sets and my experience with helping to elevate nonprofit boards,” she said, adding that she hopes to help build the IWCA’s stability so it can in turn do the same for women working in the male-dominated coffee world. She also said she would like to recruit more members, whether they work for mega-corporations or very small businesses.

“IWCA is thrilled to welcome Beth to our board of directors,” IWCA Board President Sharon Riechers said in a statement. “Dean’s Beans has been a longtime supporter of IWCA, and Beth’s commitment to making a positive impact aligns perfectly with IWCA’s mission. Her insights and wealth of experience will be valuable in helping to guide IWCA toward achieving its goals.”

Cycon said he became one of the nonprofit’s first financial contributors after receiving a solicitation for support.

“I think it’s a great organization and … it’s just become very strong. It’s got chapters in countries all over the world,” he said. “Anything that empowers coffee farmers is appealing to me.”

Cycon, who turned 70 last year, founded Dean’s Beans in 1993 as an experiment after years of working as an environmental and Indigenous rights lawyer. His goal was to prove that through ethical business practices, a for-profit company could improve the lives of workers and consumers. He relinquished ownership of his business at the start of the fiscal year and now focuses on two new endeavors: writing novels and being a grandfather. However, he will stay on the company’s board of directors for three years.

“It’s a new day at Dean’s Beans, with the new management and ownership,” he said, “but the mission that we’ve had for 30 years is being carried on by Beth and the crew.”

The IWCA supports women who work as coffee farmers, exporters, importers, roasters and entrepreneurs. More information about the nonprofit is available at womenincoffee.org.

Reach Domenic Poli at dpoli@recorder.com or 413-930-4120.