Land of a Thousand Hills Coffee [intern]

Hi Dr. Walters. Let me introduce myself. I'm Jessica.

I've actually worked at my intern company, Land of a Thousand Hills Coffee, for six months. My official title is Creative Projects Coordinator which means I am involved in writing, editing, media, and all other creative services. Everyday I get to combine my love of writing with my passion for promoting social justice and sustainability in Rwanda. To tell you about my company, I'll use a blurb I recently wrote for the back of our employee business cards:


"What if the coffee you drink could make a difference? It can.

At Land of a Thousand Hills™, we are passionate about excellence in coffee, pursuing social justice, and cultivating a third place community. In a post-genocide nation, Rwandan coffee communities are becoming a vibrant picture of opportunity and sustainability.

We invite you to Drink Coffee and Do Good."


Although the face of our company is a cozy coffee house in Roswell, the wholesales and office team have the privilege of working on sustainable projects in Rwanda. For example, Sustainable Cycle, our microfinance program, makes bikes available to coffee growers in Rwanda. Inyakurama offers microfinance loans for widows to become entrepreneurs. My latest project is using my Teaching Writing class (with Dr. Odom) to design a comic book writing course in the village of Bukonya, Rwanda.

I mainly edit and update our website, blogs, facebook groups, and twitter; write purchasing contracts, letters, and business plans; revise marketing material; write the stories of entrepreneurs and coffee farmers; and work closely with my boss (the founder/owner) in brainstorming new ideas. Another recent project of mine was writing and compiling material for a short video slideshow.

My past writing gigs include being an editorial assistant at The Oxford American Magazine, tutoring at a writing center, and freelancing magazine articles. I used to think that being a writer meant swearing off "business," but I'm quickly learning not all business writing is technical and good writing products are a necessity for every company. I'm also learning about marketing, excellent coffee, social responsibility, and Africa.

Stay tuned for more posts on my specific writing projects.