Empowering women and transforming communities in rural Peru
Born into a Peruvian family of coffee farmers as one of ten siblings, Lily Heredia Altamirano grew up deeply involved in coffee cultivation. In 2014, with a USD 370 loan from Cooperativa de Ahorro y Crédito ‘COOPAC’ Norandino, she and her husband began their own coffee business, planting one hectare of coffee in La Cordillera, Chirinos, Jaen.
Lily’s ties to Norandino date back a decade, though her family’s connection runs deeper—her father is one of its earliest members.
Over the years, Lily has secured over ten loans from Norandino, enabling her to expand her farm to six hectares, purchase a truck, establish a cupping lab, and build her home.
With Norandino’s support, Lily mastered the entire coffee production chain and attended training workshops that inspired her to create Pawqara, a women-led coffee association. Meaning “empowered woman” in Quechua, Pawqara now unites 20 women, exporting high-quality coffee to Canada, the United States, and Japan.
We formed this association to give women in Chirinos the chance to improve their lives. Women here are capable and less influenced by machismo than men.
By 2027, Lily envisions Pawqara growing to over 100 members, creating jobs and enhancing community wellbeing.
Her success is fueled by her husband’s support and Norandino’s belief in her vision.
Lily Heredia Altamirano’s story showcases how a Peruvian entrepreneur, supported by Norandino, turned her passion for coffee into a successful business and a women-led association.
