Lecture Description
The specialty coffee industry often talks about diversity and inclusion, yet traditional hiring systems still overlook individuals with unique abilities, backgrounds, or paths into coffee. This lecture introduces a proven, skills-based approach to recruitment and team development. rooted in the inclusive hiring model of Not Your Average Joe, a nonprofit organization based in Oklahoma City, OK, operating ten coffee shops dedicated to providing meaningful employment for people of all abilities.
Led by Nicole Rosaly, Lead Coffee Trainer & Corporate Manager, Kyle Parker, VP of Human Development & Human Resources Director, and Maddie Pollock, Director of Acceptional Programs, this presentation explores how to hire for potential rather than experience. Together, they share how NYAJ’s inclusive framework, centered on mentorship, accessibility, and measurable growth, creates opportunity for all while improving retention, team culture, and customer engagement.
Through real-world examples and actionable strategies, attendees will discover how inclusive hiring cultivates stronger teams, authentic human connection, and a deeper sense of community within the coffee industry. This approach transforms cafés into spaces of learning, growth, and belonging, where every individual’s potential is recognized and valued. Participants will leave inspired and equipped to implement hiring practices that build empowerment, purpose, and a culture that truly reflects the heart of specialty coffee.
Date: Friday, April 10, 2026
Time: 10:30 am - 11:45 am
Location: Room 23BC
Category: Business
Access: This lecture is free to attend with a World of Coffee entry badge. Register to attend World of Coffee here.
Please note that lecture sessions are open on a first-come, first-served basis. Early arrival is highly recommended to secure your seat.
Speakers
Nicole Rosaly
AST trainer, NYAJ
Nicole Rosaly is an SCA Authorized Specialty Trainer (AST), coffee educator, and consultant with over 15 years of experience in the specialty coffee industry. She serves as Lead Coffee Trainer and Corporate Manager at Not Your Average Joe and is the founder of Barista Summit, a coffee education and consulting platform. Nicole is known for designing inclusive, hands-on training environments, supporting baristas of all abilities and learning styles. She has taught bilingual (English-Spanish) workshops across the U.S. and Puerto Rico, with a strong focus on calibration, milk technique, latte art, and skill confidence. Her work centers on accessibility, mentorship, and empowering individuals to grow beyond expectations.
Tim Herbel
Founder & Executive Director, NYAJ
Tim Herbel is the energetic, espresso fueled founder and executive director of Not Your Average Joe, a collection of inspiring coffee shops and cafes in Oklahoma dedicated to serving exceptional coffee and food while simultaneously reducing the unemployment of differently abled individuals. Launched in 2019 with 4 employees, today the organization has 350, half with a diagnosed disability. They dispense caffeine and hope under 4 brands at 15 locations: Not Your Average Joe, Stella Nova, Abe?s and Quincy Bake Shop. They have an award winning staff of baristas, roasters and trainers, as well as two formally trained chefs. The team has catered coffee and food for Gabriel Iglesias, Sylvester Stallone, ESPN Game Day, the NBA Finals, and has competed in USCC Championship events. Learn how to brew positivity with Not Your Average Joe in your community @nyaj.coffee.
Kyle Parker
VP of Human Development, NYAJ
Kyle Parker (Vice President of Human Development, Inclusion Seanchaí) joined Not Your Average Joe in 2021. Kyle has dedicated his adult life to service and people. He has worked in three major arenas. After graduating from Oklahoma Christian University in the previous millenia, he served as a pastor in Texas, Oklahoma, and Southern California. Upon leaving full-time ministry, Kyle has served as an Executive Director, Activity Director, and Coordinator in senior living and senior activity centers. He has three amazing children (one of whom is on the autism spectrum), two dogs, two cats, and fish. In his spare time, he enjoys spending time with family and friends, learning new things, and teaching others. He also has a vast repertory of useless facts and information.