Neyli's Journey
A Story of Faith, Strength, and New Beginnings
In the quiet La Botija mountains of southern Honduras, something beautiful is happening. It’s not just coffee being cultivated at San Lazaro Coffee — it’s hope.
Neyli Cruz, 23 years old, is a shining example of that hope. Originally from the small community of San Pedro del Norte, Nicaragua, Neyli was no stranger to hardship. Abandoned by her father at just one year old, she was raised by a courageous single mother who fought against the weight of poverty to care for six children on her own.
Growing up, opportunities were painfully scarce — especially for young girls in rural areas. In fact, only 6% of rural women in Honduras ever complete secondary education. Neyli’s mother, however, was relentless. With faith as her anchor, she sacrificed everything to give her children a future. She prayed, worked the fields, cleaned homes — anything to keep hope alive.
That faith bore fruit. Neyli managed to finish elementary school, and later found a job as an aid in a local kindergarten. It wasn’t her dream, but it was a start — a lifeline. It allowed her to support her family while continuing her studies, clinging to her dream of one day becoming a teacher.
Eventually, the family moved to Las Minas, Honduras, near the San Lazaro Coffee farm where the story took a beautiful turn.
Today, Neyli is a wife, a mother, and a valued member of our farm team at San Lazaro Coffee. Her work is more than a paycheck — it’s a pathway to dignity and transformation.
Each morning begins with devotional time, where she and other women gather to pray, reflect, and grow in their faith. In her role, Neyli contributes to a mission that is bigger than herself — a mission rooted in Christ, centered on community, and focused on sustainable, meaningful work.
Thanks to her job, Neyli is now able to provide for her family, build toward her dreams, and model resilience to the next generation. She says her life today is the direct result of God’s faithfulness — and she lives with deep gratitude for the opportunity to rise.
What’s even more powerful? Neyli’s story is not unique.
At San Lazaro Coffee, every woman brings her own story of pain and perseverance. These are women who’ve faced abandonment, hunger, and loss — and yet they show up each day not as victims, but as providers, believers, and builders of a new future.
Their work matters. Not just because of the quality of coffee they produce — but because of what that work represents: Dignity. Healing. Progress. Faith.
When you invest in San Lazaro Coffee, you’re investing in stories like Neyli’s. You’re investing in mothers, daughters, and dreamers who are writing a new story for rural women in Honduras — one filled with hope, purpose, and opportunity.
And your support matters — not just to sustain a coffee company, but to fuel the continued transformation of Neyli’s life and the lives of other women just like her.
Want to get involved in this transformative work? Shop Coffee
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Also in San Lázaro Coffee Blog
Rooted in Dreams: A Young Woman’s Path to Change
Mayela, a 17-year-old from a small village surrounded by green mountains, lives with her grandfather. God has gifted her with a heart full of dreams and a deep passion for nature. Her educational journey began at Lazarus Academy, where she not only gained theoretical knowledge but also developed values that shaped her as a person. Upon graduating high school, Mayela knew her story was just beginning. She decided to enroll in a forestry program, determined to help preserve the environment of her beloved homeland.
Honoring Sister Karla
At 24 years old there were not many opportunities for Karla. She was newly married and had a young daughter. The rugged rural mountains where she had grown up and lived in her entire life hadn’t afforded much. In particular she didn’t have the opportunity to continue learning in high school. But what she did learn was how to work. Both Karla and her husband were committed to helping their young family get ahead. He farmed and she worked anywhere she could, often picking tomatoes or peppers for farmers in the region. The days were long, the pay was bad, and the treatment was worse.
