Interview with
Valentina Molano Paredes
Interview with
Valentina Molano Paredes
What does a perfect weekend look like for you?
A getaway to nature—somewhere in the mountains, hiking with my dog (my travel buddy), ending with a campfire and good food. I love swimming, so time in a pool or lake is a must!
What is the most memorable trip or vacation you’ve ever taken and why?
My solo trip to La Guajira, Colombia. It was my first time traveling alone and also my way of celebrating New Year’s differently. Since my family usually works during the holidays, I started a tradition of spending each New Year in a new place. It’s been five years now—and each experience brings new people, cultures, and unforgettable memories.
How do you like to drink your coffee and in which situation? (For example, a Café Latte in a nice café on weekends, an Espresso at work …)
At work, I drink black coffee. At home, I love brewing with a Chemex. And when it’s really hot, I treat myself to a coffee “nevado”—a frozen-style coffee with whipped cream.
What makes you laugh a lot?
My sis! Every time we talk or meet up, there’s always a funny story or memory that has us laughing endlessly.
Do you have any hidden skills nobody expects you to have?
I’m still very flexible thanks to years of cheerleading and gymnastics. People are always surprised when I can still do gymnastic moves!
If you could be any fictional character for a week, who would it be and what adventures would you have?
I would be Doctor Strange—he can travel through time, space, and even multiverses. I’d explore alternate realities, visit incredible places that defy the laws of nature, and learn ancient knowledge from mystical dimensions. It would be amazing to experience so many versions of the world and see how even the smallest changes can create completely different lives.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received, and who gave it to you?
My sister once told me: “No one knows the journey you’ve been through or how much you’ve improved. New people may think they know you after two months or a year, but only you know how far you’ve come—and you should be proud of that.” That’s something I always carry with me.
Cheerleading and dance
I love dancing to any genre of music and just letting go. There’s something thrilling about flying in the air and doing gymnastics—it’s a wild, freeing feeling that I’ll always cherish.
Listening to music
Music is with me all day long: when I work, when I shower, when I fall asleep. It’s part of my routine and helps me focus, relax, or simply enjoy the moment.
Spicy food
I’m obsessed with Mexican food and anything spicy! Fun fact: I’m vegetarian, so I’m always on the lookout for plant-based spicy dishes that bring flavor and fire.
Traveling
with my dog (Aria)
Watching movies
and series
I love psychological thrillers, romantic movies, and comedies. They all inspire me in different ways—some make me dream, others make me think, and some just make me laugh out loud.
Joeri Kalwij found his way into the coffee world in 2008, when a commodity trader approached him to establish a sustainability and certification department in Papua New Guinea (PNG). Eleven years later, he joined NKG and as General Manager at New Guniea Highland Coffee.
As a dedicated Coffee Stock Supervisor and member of the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Committee, I am passionate about fostering a safe and healthy work environment that supports operational excellence. My focus is on ensuring strict compliance with safety protocols during stock handling to protect our team members and maintain the integrity of our coffee products. Preserving coffee quality is vital to our success, and I am committed to upholding the highest standards to ensure safe, efficient, and responsible operations.
Interview with Deborah Righeschi, Project Manager of Bero Italia’s Cultural Initiative.
One Response
I never drink chemex coffee. But always seems fancy on tiktok videos.