Hailing from Queens, New York, Juanny Romero fell in love with Las Vegas for the fun, adventure and local community. As such, she was drawn to the coffee industry as a vehicle for community strengthening.
“Coffee is important, because as one of the main commodities in the world, it has a huge impact globally,” said Romero, who supports the Café Femenino program, an organization that empowers women coffee farmers. Romero purchases coffee from Café Femenino and donates a portion of her revenue each year to help grow the program in coffee-producing countries.
Romero’s first coffee shop, Sunrise Coffee, is one of the oldest independent cafés in Las Vegas. Today, Mothership Coffee Roasters boasts two other locations across the Valley. With an uncompromising commitment to ethical and fair business practices, Romero has been able to continually expand her local impact.
Her proudest accomplishment: being able to secure health insurance for her staff, their spouses and dependents. Her goal was to do so before she was federally obligated, and she did it when she had 23 employees. Budgeting out health insurance from her revenue each year, Romero wants her employees to know that their health isn’t a gamble ---—it’s something the company cares about.
Romero works with the school system to help support teachers and students, and hosts nonprofit organizations in her cafes. She believes that the foundation of community support is in day-to-day work and small, consistent actions.
To unwind from her busy schedule, Romero grounds herself in nature by hiking, rock climbing and surfing, as well as spending time with her children. She also has a close group of girlfriends. “They are the center of my heart, because they help me move through heavy pieces of decisions in my life and in business,” Romero said.