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Helen Russell

Co-founder & Executive Chair of Equator Coffees, LLC. Certified B Corp

Helen Russell is the Co-founder and Executive Chair of Equator Coffees, a renowned specialty coffee roaster in Marin County, California, with a 26-year history of excellence in the industry.

Under Helen's guidance, Equator Coffees has evolved from a small local roaster to a nationally recognized brand celebrated for its values-driven ethos, exceptional coffee blends, and commitment to environmental sustainability, female empowerment, and economic progress.

Helen spearheaded Equator's certification as California's first B Corporation coffee roaster, a testament to the company's enduring dedication to Fair Trade practices and its trailblazing efforts in fostering direct relationships with coffee producers.

Recognized for her achievements, Helen Russell has led Equator Coffees to be a consistent presence on The San Francisco Business Times' Top 100 Women-Owned Businesses list and secured accolades like the SBA Small Business of the Year for the State of California in 2016 as the first LGBT Certified business to achieve this honor.

Through Helen's visionary leadership, Equator has cultivated partnerships with renowned culinary figures such as Dominique Crenn, Thomas Keller, Traci Des Jardins, Suzanne Goin, and Tyler Florence, showcasing a commitment to quality and innovative coffee experiences.

Beyond her role at Equator Coffees, Helen Russell actively contributes her time and expertise to various local and global organizations focused on empowering women and promoting environmental causes, including La Cocina Community Kitchen, the International Women in Coffee Alliance, World Bicycle Relief, and the Challenged Athletes Foundation.

Helen Russell pursued her Bachelor of Science in Business at Northeastern University, laying a strong foundation for her entrepreneurial journey and leadership in the coffee industry.

Helen Russell
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Location

San Rafael, California, United States