Mission Accomplished! The New Era of the SOTL Global Movement

The story of the SOTL Global Movement (SGM) is one of vision for a better world, resilience, and collective empowerment. When I founded this movement in 2017, my aim was to create and offer women a platform to present themselves, promote their unique roles, and be heard and recognized by the global cigar community. Together with men, we cultivate a respectful and more inclusive cigar culture that fosters collaboration and drives positive change.

Read in the magazine (rotate your device for a better reading experience):

• Have you observed the increasing number of women-led initiatives in every corner of the industry? 
• Have you noticed how, in recent years, companies are showcasing women more prominently, even women from their own families? 
• Have you noticed how countless women’s gatherings and women-focused events are being held across the globe? 
• Have you seen how many women are creating communities, how men are highlighting the contributions of women, and how everyone is enjoying this collaboration? 
• Have you noted how advertisements that once carried insulting content about women have significantly decreased?
• Have you noticed how the entire approach has shifted –whether it’s an individual choice or a corporate strategy?
• Have you thought about the role mentorship, collaboration, and even imitation play in empowering women to redefine industry norms?

This transformation is no coincidence –I had no doubt it would happen. I wouldn’t have initiated anything if I didn’t believe in changing societal structures. It reflects the collective efforts of many individuals and communities, and seeing it unfold brings me satisfaction.

As we experience this progress, it’s also a moment to acknowledge that the journey continues. With our mission accomplished, we stand ready to embrace the next mission –a new era of the Sisters of the Leaf Global Movement, filled with fresh opportunities for sustainable leadership and transformative impact.

The Heart of SOTL Global Movement: The Astonishing Women Who Inspire Us All

The true inspiration behind the SOTL Global Movement lies in the women themselves –astonishing, resilient, and endlessly passionate DOERS. From every corner of the world, in every role imaginable, these women fight their personal battles, give their best efforts, and rise to every challenge with strength and grace.

Their strength, intelligence, and passion shine through every endeavor, fueled by their commitment, resilience, persistence, and innovative spirit. Their emotional intelligence allows them to navigate the complex balance of being both visionaries and achievers in their daily lives.

They rise above every struggle with courage, portraying themselves to the world as bold, strong, and beautiful –not out of vanity, but as a declaration of their worth and purpose. More importantly, they do this for themselves, because they know their relationship with themselves is the foundation of everything.

Women are productive, creative, and adaptable, moving seamlessly through roles and expectations with flexibility and self-confidence (yes, they are confident even if they haven’t fully realized it).

They are redefining leadership, achievement, and progress –not only for the world around them but for themselves, first and foremost (yes, our beloved ones are a part of ourselves). Their journey, their struggles, and their triumphs make them truly remarkable, reminding us all what it means to lead with purpose and passion. 

They are the dreamers, the doers and the changemakers who shape the future of the SOTL Global Movement –and the world. 

Mentorship in Action: Driving Results

Mentorship has been a cornerstone of this journey. Over the years, SGM has supported individuals and communities worldwide, fostering a sense of belonging and encouraging collective action.

With great joy, we have witnessed how women have been inspired by the SOTL Global Movement and its momentum. Many have drawn inspiration from us and, in some cases, even adopted or replicated our practices. After all, this is our mission! Often, we provided mentoring to support their journeys, and today we see initiatives “from women, by women” everywhere –whether from individuals, cigar groups, premium or boutique cigar associations and organizations, or even national and international movements.

There have been times when we were called upon to mentor and guide these initiatives, and it was our honor to do so. However, there have also been instances where others bypassed our presence –even when we were in the same venue or room –and placed obstacles in our way. Yet, despite these challenges, our ultimate goal has always been collective progress.

Grateful for Our Partners: Building Together with Ethics and Purpose

One of the most meaningful aspects of the SOTL Global Movement has been its dedication to collaboration and fostering ethical partnerships. Our alliances with Humo Latino, The Rum Lab, Tobacconist University, Cigar Journal, and many visionary and inspiring cigar companies have truly enriched the soul of the cigar community.

Partnerships are the foundation of progress –they open doors to connection, spark innovation, and strengthen the impact of collective efforts.

The ethics and dedication of our partners are truly extraordinary. Behind every partnership lies a profound to something greater: a vision of creating a better world. I am continually astonished and deeply inspired by the passion, values, and integrity that our partners bring to every initiative. They pour their hearts and souls into their work, demonstrating creativity and unwavering enthusiasm for driving meaningful change.

Their vision and actions transcend the cigar industry, inspiring others to embrace the same spirit of collaboration, innovation, and transformation.

Together, we are shaping a community rooted in ethics, mutual respect, and a shared purpose. These partnerships remind us of what is possible when people come together with a collective commitment to make the world better –one initiative at a time.

The Components and Craftsmanship Behind the SOTL Global Movement 

(This unit is for the Curious Nerds)

Just as we appreciate learning about the “ingredients” of a fine cigar or the craftsmanship behind it –how something that brings us immense pleasure is created –the same curiosity applies here. I’m sharing some of the “ingredients” and methods that crafted the Sisters of the Leaf Global Movement (SGM).

While passion for creating a better world is essential, it is not enough to bring about real change or measurable results. That’s why I designed and structured the SGM based on my PhD expertise in Social Psychology and my specialization in Sustainability.

The foundation of SGM lies in key frameworks that have been carefully selected and applied to shape its strategy and impact:

• Social Identity Theory: This explores how individuals define themselves in relation to their social groups, fostering a sense of belonging and empowerment within the cigar community.
• Social Representations Theory: This examines how shared beliefs and cultural norms influence perceptions and practices, enabling us to redefine and challenge traditional narratives in the cigar industry.
• Participant Observation Research Method: By immersing in and observing the dynamics of the cigar community, this methodology provided deep insights into its practices, challenges, and opportunities for growth.
• Stakeholders Engagement Strategies: These are specifically tailored to actively involve and address the needs of every participant in the movement, ensuring inclusivity and collective progress.

The SGM was designed to engage and empower a wide array of stakeholders from across the global cigar community, including: Cigar aficionadas and aficionados, cigar non smokers, employees of the cigar industry, female and male retailers, women and men family members of cigar companies, cigar industry media, social media groups, national women’s cigar communities, women in the industry with diverse roles, key persons, cigar lounge owners and managers, premium and boutique cigar companies, luxury lifestyle enthusiasts, local communities, cigar clubs and associations, hospitality and entertainment industry partners, sustainability advocates within the industry, educators and trainers in the industry.

These frameworks have been applied within a specific social-economic context to meet the needs, expectations, priorities, and desires of all stakeholders involved in the SOTL Global Movement.