2025 September 27-29
Level up!
presented by RaisE the Bar
We’re bringing together working baristas and world-class coffee mentors from across the country for workshops, cafe service, and shared meals all with a focus on industry retention and equity. It’s about building real skills and growing together!
Minneapolis, MN @ Mill City Roasters
COFFEE PEOPLE
✦
RAISE THE BAR
✦
LEVEL UP
✦
COFFEE PEOPLE ✦ RAISE THE BAR ✦ LEVEL UP ✦
Raise the Bar is a nonprofit reimagining what professional growth looks like in specialty coffee. We run accessible, community-driven programs that center working coffee professionals – including baristas and early-career coffee workers with a focus on equity, skill-building, and real-world impact.
raise the bar
RACHEL APPLE
Rachel Apple has been in specialty coffee for 19 years; her resume includes roles as QC for George Howell, Global Supply Chain Manager for Cometeer, and Head Judge & SET Instructor at Cup of Excellence. Rachel is also a US Barista Championship Head Judge, Sensory Lead, and Committee Member.
Sandra Loofbourow
Sandra Elisa Loofbourow is the founder of Loupe Coffee Consulting and specializes in green coffee quality, education, and market linkages. A certified Q Instructor, she brings leadership experience in building sustainable supply chains and creating strategic partnerships in the coffee industry.
IVANA CHAN
Ivana is a marketing and e-commerce specialist, dedicated to bringing the hospitality in specialty coffee online for the last 6 years and counting. Ivana is also a US Barista Championship Judge and Committee Member, former Director of E-Commerce at Onyx Coffee Lab, and all-around coffee fan.
founding BOARD of advisors
The Level Up Founding Board of Advisors are collectively: curriculum designers, national sales reps for incredible coffee brands, educators, and incredible people.
They are the ones who teach the roasters how to roast, teach techs how to fix super autos, and train the trainers. They are our history keepers and north stars.
LAUREN LATHROP
Lauren has worked in the coffee industry since 2005 and is the Director of Education for Mill City Roasters, where she builds curriculum and hosts classes to help people start or grow their careers in coffee. She's also a Brand Ambassador and R&D Barista for Pacific Foods Barista Series, an intermediate home cook, and an advocate for making a big pot of beans.
ALEXANDRA LITTLEJOHN
ALJ is a tenured coffee professional, with experience ranging from production barista, trainer, cafe manager, to wholesale sales director, roastery operations director, marketing/events coordinator, now to equipment manufacturer sales. She served 5 years on the Barista Guild of American Executive Council, aligning with her values in community, education and mentorship.
KAT MELHEIM
Kat is a coffee roaster, writer, educator, and creator. Known as @RoasterKat on Instagram and YouTube, she shares her passion for coffee through engaging content about origin adventures, behind-the-scenes roastery insights, and practical tips & tools for roasters. Kat is also the founder of Coffee People Zine, an art magazine celebrating the creativity of the coffee community. She also brings her professional expertise to Algrano, where she serves as the marketing and social media manager.
RAISE THE BAR
✦
RAISE THE BAR ✦