MEET
Hannia Fernández Valverde
Hannia’s chickens aren’t just eggs—they’re hope, income, and a lesson in courage for her whole family.
Her journey
In the hills of Pérez Zeledón, Hannia Fernández Valverde rises each morning with purpose, a bright smile, and a determination that lights up everyone around her. A mother of four, she has spent her life teaching her children the value of hard work and perseverance. While pursuing her university studies, she has always nurtured a quiet dream: to raise chickens at home and build a small farm of her own.
Through the Farmer School, Hannia discovered not just the tools to pursue her dream, but the confidence to believe it was possible. After participating in the 2023 program, she competed for and won seed capital, creating her first pasture-raised chicken project. The farm quickly became more than a livelihood; it became a space where she could share joy, responsibility, and learning with her family, including her five-year-old daughter, who now joins her each morning to care for the chickens and collect eggs.
Hannia’s journey took another pivotal step when she earned a full scholarship to attend the Women-Powered Coffee Summit in Veracruz, Mexico, in 2024. The experience was transformative: it exposed her to new perspectives, strengthened her leadership skills, and deepened her sense of belonging within a community of women coffee producers who inspire and support one another.
“Before Bean Voyage, I often felt frustrated that I couldn’t pursue the career I studied for. This project gave me motivation, a reason to wake up excited each day, and something meaningful to share with my family.”
Before the Program
Hannia’s challenges were both practical and personal. Managing a small farm came with constant uncertainties: pests, crop health, and limited knowledge about best practices in production. Beyond these technical hurdles, she had to balance her responsibilities as a mother, a student, and an aspiring entrepreneur—roles that often felt overwhelming and isolating.
A Journey of Growth
Through Bean Voyage, Hannia participated in the Farmer School training, gaining expertise in climate adaptation, gender empowerment, and coffee care. With the guidance, mentorship, and resources provided by the program, she was able to expand her chicken project, reinvesting profits to buy more birds and develop a sustainable, income-generating venture.
Beyond technical skills, the program offered Hannia emotional support and a network of women pursuing similar goals. She reflects:
“Before Bean Voyage, I often felt frustrated that I couldn’t pursue the career I studied for. This project gave me motivation, a reason to wake up excited each day, and something meaningful to share with my family.”
Key Learnings
Climate resilience and sustainable agricultural practices
Gender equity and leadership skills
Coffee production and business management
Confidence, self-belief, and community engagement
About Hannia’s Project
NAME OF THE PROJECT
La Gallinita Feliz
REGION / COUNTRY
Pérez Zeledón, Costa Rica
SEED FUND FROM BV
$450 USD
PROJECT TYPE
Hen Keeping
The Transformation
Hannia’s small chicken farm is now a thriving project, generating steady income and growing her local reputation. Her clients actively recommend her products, expanding her customer base.
Her experience at the Women-Powered Coffee Summit remains a highlight, reinforcing her sense of purpose and showing her the power of networks and mentorship.
“Winning the scholarship and attending the Summit was one of the happiest moments of my life. I cried tears of gratitude and felt supported by my family and by women who truly care about helping each other grow.”
Her journey reflects not only economic gains but also personal empowerment, strengthened family bonds, and a renewed sense of hope.
Looking Ahead
Hannia dreams big. She plans to:
Expand her chicken farm and reinvest profits to increase production
Upgrade her home and acquire a vehicle to make distribution easier
Continue her university studies while managing her farm
Keep learning, growing, and inspiring her community through her work