Cultivating Community Connections and Fostering Civic Engagement
At Café Mila, we’re excited to welcome our newest AmeriCorps Neighbor to Neighbor Fellow, Maddie Davis, to our vibrant community. As part of the esteemed AmeriCorps program, Maddie has dedicated herself to improving lives, strengthening communities, and promoting civic engagement through service and volunteering – an ethos that aligns seamlessly with Café Mila’s holistic approach to nourishing body, mind, and soul.
Fresh, Local, and Sustainable
Maddie’s passion for sustainability and environmental stewardship will undoubtedly enhance our café’s commitment to sourcing the freshest, most nutritious ingredients from local producers. Whether she’s conducting research, participating in coalition meetings, or tabling at the Farmers Market, you’re likely to spot Maddie sipping on one of our specialty coffee or tea creations, fueling her efforts to advance sustainable solutions and build a more resilient community.
“Being an effective steward of our environment has always been a paramount value of mine,” Maddie shares. “Having grown up in Oregon, outdoor recreation and appreciation is a huge part of who I am. Weekend hikes, summer canoeing, and frequent camping trips are experiences which led me to seek refuge in nature, and eventually to impart these values on nature hikes through the Northwest Outdoor School program in Portland, Oregon.”
Maddie’s firsthand experience with the devastating impacts of climate change, such as the catastrophic Eagle Creek Fire that ravaged the Columbia River Gorge in 2017, has only strengthened her resolve to be part of the solution. “No longer was climate change an abstract concept that only happened to other people; it was right in my backyard,” she reflects. “Since then, I have fully committed myself to effective sustainable solutions, and making conscientious progress toward stopping the destruction of our planet.”
At Café Mila, Maddie will collaborate closely with our team to develop and implement strategic plans, ensuring that our sustainability goals and community outreach efforts are aligned with the broader vision of the Cool Davis initiative, a local beacon for climate justice and resilience.
Nourishing Body, Mind, and Spirit
Alongside her sustainability work, Maddie will also play a vital role in enhancing Café Mila’s holistic approach to wellness and mindful living. From curating our seasonal menu offerings to facilitating educational workshops on nutrition and self-care, her expertise and passion for cultivating a balanced, enriching lifestyle will be invaluable.
Seasonal Flavors and Nutritional Guidance
Maddie’s deep understanding of the connections between food, wellness, and community will inspire us to continuously evolve our seasonal menu, showcasing the finest locally-sourced, organic ingredients. “I believe that food has the power to nourish not just our bodies, but our minds and spirits as well,” Maddie explains. “By highlighting the vibrant, seasonal flavors of the region, we can create dishes that are not only delicious, but also deeply satisfying and aligned with the rhythms of nature.”
In addition to our signature café fare, Maddie will work closely with our culinary team to develop a series of nutritional workshops, empowering our customers to make informed, health-conscious choices. From exploring the benefits of a plant-based diet to demystifying the latest superfoods, these interactive sessions will provide practical guidance and inspiration for embracing a more mindful approach to eating.
Mindful Living Practices
Café Mila’s commitment to fostering a sense of holistic wellbeing extends beyond the plate. With Maddie’s expertise, we will expand our lineup of wellness-focused menu items, incorporating functional ingredients and time-honored traditions to support our customers’ physical, mental, and spiritual vitality.
“Wellness is not just about what we consume, but how we engage with the world around us,” Maddie emphasizes. “That’s why I’m thrilled to collaborate with our team in introducing a series of mindfulness workshops, yoga classes, and other transformative experiences that will empower our community to cultivate a deeper sense of self-awareness and connection.”
Whether it’s a restorative vinyasa flow, a guided meditation session, or an interactive workshop on sustainable living, Café Mila will serve as a hub for holistic enrichment, inspiring our neighbors to embrace a more intentional, balanced lifestyle.
Strengthening Community Connections
As an AmeriCorps Neighbor to Neighbor Fellow, Maddie’s role extends far beyond the walls of Café Mila. She will be actively engaged in fostering meaningful connections and collaborative partnerships within our local community, amplifying the collective impact of our efforts.
Collaborative Partnerships
“I believe Cool Davis is a local beacon for climate justice, and I could not be more thrilled to devote my efforts toward our mission,” Maddie shares. “I can’t wait to collaborate with the community as we fortify our sustainability and resilience in the face of the climate crisis.”
Through her work with the Cool Davis initiative, Maddie will spearhead joint projects, coordinate community events, and leverage the diverse expertise of our local stakeholders to drive positive change. From participating in coalition meetings to tabling at the Farmers Market, she will be a visible presence, engaging directly with our neighbors and amplifying the voices of those who share our vision for a more sustainable, equitable, and vibrant future.
Cultural Celebrations and Community Events
Café Mila has long been a gathering place for our diverse community, and with Maddie’s involvement, we will continue to expand our roster of inclusive, celebratory events that honor the rich cultural tapestry of our region.
“As an AmeriCorps member, I’m dedicated to improving lives, strengthening communities, and fostering civic engagement through service and volunteering,” Maddie affirms. “This aligns harmoniously with Café Mila’s commitment to creating a welcoming, enriching environment for all.”
Whether it’s a lively Día de los Muertos festival, a Lunar New Year tea ceremony, or a community potluck showcasing international culinary traditions, Maddie will work alongside our team to curate experiences that bring people together, foster cross-cultural understanding, and cultivate a deeper sense of belonging.
Elevating the Art of Coffee and Tea
As an avid coffee connoisseur and tea enthusiast, Maddie’s expertise will undoubtedly elevate Café Mila’s offerings, providing our customers with an even more immersive and enlightening sensory experience.
Specialty Beverage Explorations
“You can usually find me with a coffee in hand,” Maddie laughs. “I’m passionate about exploring the nuanced flavors and unique brewing methods that bring out the very best in each bean and leaf.”
Whether it’s a meticulously crafted pour-over, a frothy cappuccino, or a delicate flowering tea, Maddie will work closely with our baristas to refine our specialty beverage menu, showcasing the artistry and care that goes into each cup. Through hands-on workshops and tasting sessions, she will also empower our customers to develop a deeper appreciation for the art of coffee and tea, unlocking a world of global flavors and brewing traditions.
Sustainable Sourcing and Ethical Partnerships
Aligned with Café Mila’s commitment to sustainability, Maddie will also play a pivotal role in strengthening our relationships with ethical, environmentally-conscious producers and suppliers. By cultivating these partnerships, we can ensure that every sip not only delights the palate, but also supports the livelihoods of farmers and artisans around the world.
“It’s important to me that our coffee and tea offerings not only taste exceptional, but also align with our values of sustainability and social responsibility,” Maddie explains. “I look forward to sharing the stories behind our sourcing, empowering our customers to make informed, mindful choices that positively impact communities near and far.”
Fostering a Family-Friendly Atmosphere
At Café Mila, we recognize the importance of creating a welcoming, inclusive environment that caters to the diverse needs of our community – and Maddie’s involvement will only enhance this family-friendly ethos.
Multigenerational Gatherings and Kid-Friendly Offerings
“One of the things I love most about Café Mila is the sense of warmth and community that permeates the space,” Maddie observes. “It’s a place where people of all ages can come together, connect, and share in the simple pleasures of good food, good company, and good conversation.”
Alongside our existing lineup of kid-friendly menu items and family-focused events, Maddie will work with our team to develop new programming that engages younger generations and fosters meaningful intergenerational exchange. From interactive cooking demos to educational workshops on sustainability and nutrition, these enriching experiences will inspire families to explore, learn, and grow together.
Cultivating a Sense of Belonging
Café Mila has always been a hub for cultural celebration and cross-pollination, and Maddie’s involvement will only amplify this inclusive, welcoming ethos. Drawing on her diverse background and passion for community building, she will collaborate with our team to create an environment that celebrates the vibrant tapestry of our local community.
“I believe that when people feel a genuine sense of belonging and connection, it empowers them to become active, engaged citizens,” Maddie reflects. “That’s why I’m so excited to help curate experiences at Café Mila that bring people together, foster mutual understanding, and inspire everyone who walks through our doors to become agents of positive change.”
Whether it’s hosting a global cuisine showcase, showcasing the work of local artists, or simply providing a cozy, comfortable space for neighbors to gather, Café Mila will continue to evolve as a hub of community enrichment – with Maddie as a driving force behind our efforts.
Embracing the Future, Together
As we welcome Maddie Davis, our newest AmeriCorps Neighbor to Neighbor Fellow, to the Café Mila family, we are filled with a profound sense of optimism and anticipation. Her passion for sustainability, wellness, and community engagement aligns seamlessly with our holistic vision, and we are confident that her involvement will elevate every aspect of the Café Mila experience.
From curating nourishing seasonal menus to facilitating transformative mindfulness practices, Maddie’s expertise will empower our customers to embrace a more intentional, balanced lifestyle. And through her tireless efforts to foster collaborative partnerships, cultivate inclusive cultural celebrations, and deepen our community’s connection to the art of coffee and tea, she will undoubtedly leave an indelible mark on our vibrant, thriving neighborhood.
As we embark on this exciting new chapter, we invite you to join us in welcoming Maddie and supporting her mission to improve lives, strengthen communities, and promote civic engagement. Together, we will continue to grow Café Mila as a hub of holistic enrichment, where nourishment of the body, mind, and spirit go hand in hand with a deep commitment to sustainability, cultural exchange, and the betterment of our shared world.
