Meet the National Committee: Diana Mnatsakanyan-Sapp
Diana Mnatsakanyan-Sapp, Oatly
South East Regional Coordinator
Co-Founder, No Filter Coffee Fest
Atlanta, GA
What is your favorite/most memorable coffee moment?
It's hard to put a pin on a "favorite moment"! I will say that my favorite memories always stem back to competitions. Whether it's cheering on my friends while they compete, or running around volunteering, or using downtime to joy ride in a convertible while eating Del Taco tacos (a very real, very good memory from Costa Mesa), there are just so many good things that have happened to me both professionally and personally from attending Coffee Champs.
What led you to coffee? What’s your coffee "origin story"?
Hilariously, my decade-long career in coffee began because I was tired of getting thrown up on. Don't worry, I'll explain. I had been a children's swim instructor for several years and was ready for a change (and to not smell like chlorine 40 hours a week). I had a friend who was a barista at a local chain and she mentioned that they were hiring, so I quit my job and became a barista. The rest is history.
Why did you volunteer to be a part of the US Chapter leadership group?
I really, really, really love coffee people and coffee culture, and I really, really, really wanted to serve them in any possible way I can.
What cause or element of the coffee community drives you to continue to be a participant?
Coffee people are the best people. They show up for one another, they know how to throw a damn good party, they are on the frontlines to serve their communities at all times, and, as a whole, they are so passionate about social progress and change. You just don't find that deep, permeating kind of goodness anymore. It's very special. I can't imagine my life without the coffee community, truly.
What’s the most inspiring thing you hear from members of your community that keep you inspired about the future of coffee?
Just the deep level of social awareness that coffee people have, wow. Baristas especially exemplify how accepting, adaptable, forward-thinking, and revolutionary the industry can be. Baristas make me hopeful for the future of coffee.
What celebrity would you most want to teach how to enjoy coffee more?
Can I just brew a Chemex for the cast of the Jersey Shore? I feel like that would be a hilarious time.
Who’s your favorite person to make coffee for?
Me, duh!
What are some community efforts that you are supporting / encouraged / inspired by in response to COVID-19?
The Giving Kitchen here in Atlanta has been so encouraging for me to watch and support over the past month. They have been connecting local service workers with resources, access to healthcare, rent support and emergency services for years, and in light of C-19 they set up a soup kitchen for service workers out of their parent restaurant, Staplehouse. They are, in a word, incredible.
What's a new part of your coffee – or daily! – routine that you don't want to give up after things go back to (the “new”) normal?
Lately, I've gotten into working out with my husband. Well, actually, it's more like my husband training me since I barely know what I'm doing. But! It's been fun!!
How do you see yourself representing the diverse and large groups of individuals from your region?
Phew, honestly, I don't know! I hope to be a good listener and make myself available (in-person and digitally) to coffee people in the Southeast so they can come to me with their ideas, opinions and perspectives on how the US Chapter can best serve and represent them. My inbox is always open, y'all! And I'm on the Southeast US Chapter Slack all the time! Come hang!
You should reach out to me if…
Just reach out to me! I don't care if you want to talk about career advice or brewing science or oat milk or what Netflix series to binge next. Hit me up! And find me on Instagram, I basically live in that app and love seeing what coffee people are up to: @workingremoatly