After fulfilling its founding mission, the SOTL Global Movement (SGM) has boldly entered a new era. On May 10, 2025, Dr. Anastasia Psomiadi, the Founder and President of the Movement, invited and brought together ten of the most influential women in the cigar industry. Cynthia Fuente, a member of the Advisory Board, opened the doors of Arturo Fuente Cigars headquarters for this historic, high-impact leadership meeting, stating: “It’s the first time in cigar history that so many women leaders have gathered to shape the next chapter of our industry, and we thank Anastasia for leading this vision and making it a reality.”
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Shaping the Future of the Cigar Industry through Women’s Leadership
This intimate gathering brought together:
Leonor Abzaradel, Patricia Khalaf, Romy Kashouty, Belkys Sanchez, Temi Bu, Desiree Sylver, Elizabeth Santos, Karen Berger, and Shirley McClellan, alongside Dr. Psomiadi and Cynthia herself.
Surrounded by the spirit and legacy of the Fuente family, the group engaged in deep, strategic dialogue –while sharing cigars from Cynthia’s personal humidor, a powerful symbol of trust, tradition, and generosity.
To expand the global perspective, women leaders from around the world joined via Zoom, offering their voices, insights, and passion from across continents.
“It was a milestone,” said Dr. Psomiadi. “From farms and factory floors to boardrooms, we invite women and men to use SGM as a vehicle for personal and professional growth –aligned with our global values”.
Together, the women leaders defined the renewed mission of the SOTL Global Movement –grounded in five core commitments:
- Women’s leadership as the foundation.
- Empowering and promoting the vital role of women in cigar farms and factories.
- Recognizing and honoring cigar brands and initiatives with purpose, impact, and values.
- Fostering cross-industry collaboration to drive social change and sustainable development.
- Expanding legacy initiatives such as the Maestro School of Cigar Sommeliers, the Global Network of SOTL Destinations, the Alumni Series, the partnership with Humo Latino, that celebrates personal stories from the cigar world, and the launch of a new documentary series focused on women in the fields and factories.
The SOTL Global Movement continues to lead the transformation of cigar culture through women’s leadership –amplifying voices across industries to promote social impact, responsible luxury, and global sustainability. We’ve created the future –again. We believe in the power of women’s leadership and in working alongside men to build a better world to live in.
On Sunday evening, the journey continued in the heart of Ybor City, Tampa’s historic cigar district, where the participants of the SGM gathered for a private visit to the beloved La Faraona Cigars. Hosted in the authentic and soulful space of La Faraona, the lounge of the incredible Cuban cigar roller and creator Odelma Matos, this gathering was more than a visit –it was a tribute to craftsmanship, heritage, and the women who keep tradition alive with their own hands.
It was a night filled with meaningful conversation, shared insights, and new ideas for collaboration. Surrounded by the scent of fresh tobacco and the legacy of Ybor’s cigar history, participants engaged in honest reflections about the future of the industry, the evolving role of women, and the importance of supporting factory workers and rollers.
On Monday, May 12th, the SGM concluded a weekend of impactful leadership gatherings with an educational visit to the historic J.C. Newman Cigar Factory in Tampa, Florida. The group was welcomed by Eric Newman, President of J.C. Newman, alongside Cynthia Fuente and Cristal Lastra, Vice President of marketing.
The visit offered valuable insights into the craftsmanship and heritage of cigar-making, with participants gaining firsthand experience in rolling cigars under the guidance of factory workers –an expression of skill and dedication that continues to sustain this iconic industry. The tour highlighted the deep-rooted values and cultural significance embodied by J.C. Newman Cigar Company.
During a private meeting, Dr. Anastasia Psomiadi, Founder and President of the SGM, remarked: “Your values and spirit define not just the cigar industry but reflect a much broader contribution to American culture.” The longstanding partnership between the Newman and Fuente families was recognized as a beacon of tradition and leadership, exemplifying what is proudly upheld as American legacy.
