The Sisters Of The
Leaf Global Movement: A New Era for the Global Cigar Community
In the world of cigars, a new wave of empowerment has
emerged thanks to the Sisters of the Leaf Global Movement. Since 2017, this
organization has been redefining the cigar culture to be more welcoming and
supportive of women. At the forefront of this movement is Dr. Anastasia
Psomiadi, whose vision, ethics, and leadership have played a pivotal role in
its success.
The movement not only creates opportunities for both women
and men to build their networks but also brings together cigar enthusiasts worldwide.
It pioneers the concept of women-friendly cigar lounges and emphasizes the
importance of education by implementing the Certified Cigar Sommelier
Tobacconist (CCST) program, empowering our members through substantive knowledge.
Furthermore, the SOTL Global Movement is dedicated to
empowering women through mentorship, self-discovery, and personal growth. By
fostering a supportive community, it encourages participants to connect, learn
from one another, and unlock their full potential.
Joining the SOTL Global Movement: An organization for All
Cigar Culture Lovers
The Sisters of the Leaf (SOTL) Global Movement is an
inclusive community open to both women and men who share a passion for cigar culture.
With around 4,000 members worldwide, our focus is on the quality of engagement
rather than numbers. Membership is free, and those who join can actively
participate in initiatives that align with our mission.
Membership and Engagement
Joining SOTL is simple and comes with the opportunity to
express your ideas and get involved in our initiatives. We prioritize
meaningful connections, often scheduling personal Zoom meetings or group
sessions with our committees to ensure every member's voice is heard.
To join, visit our website and fill out the form or send an
email to info@sotlglobalmovement.com.
Gathering Unique Perspectives
We collect valuable insights from our members, particularly
women, using structured interviews and questionnaires. These qualitative
research methods help us understand and address the experiences and challenges
faced by women in the cigar community. Additionally, we provide a platform for
women to share their ideas and concerns directly with our advisory board and
management team.
Quality Over Quantity
While we have a strong membership base, our true focus is on
fostering deep engagement. By maintaining open communication and encouraging
active participation, we ensure that every member can contribute meaningfully
to the SOTL Global Movement.
The Visionary Founder: Dr. Anastasia Psomiadi
Dr. Anastasia Psomiadi is not just a name but a force of
change in the cigar industry. Her vision for a world free from stereotypes led
to the creation of the Sisters of the Leaf Global Movement, which has since
grown into a worldwide community. As a
globally recognized social innovator with notable achievements in culture,
business, and academia, Dr. Psomiadi identified the need for a platform where
women could explore their passion for cigar culture in a supportive and
respectful environment. For the first
time in cigar history, she gave the floor to women by creating a space where they
presented themselves and their contributions to the cigar industry.
Dr. Anastasia Psomiadi created the first-ever global
initiative to give women a voice in the cigar industry through the SOTL Global
Round Table, which was launched on the Zoom platform during the COVID pandemic.
For the first time, women were invited to present themselves and discuss the
stereotypes they have faced in their countries during their cigar journey. This
groundbreaking initiative was shared with 21 global cigar communities in
collaboration with their admins, marking a historic moment in the industry.
Since then, we have organized 11 SOTL Global Round Tables,
both digitally and in person, along with networking events, mentorship
programs, and initiatives that have helped build networks among women. As you
have likely noticed, many of these projects have inspired well-known
individuals and organizations within the industry, who have begun to organize
similar initiatives.
These contributions have been recognized by prominent
figures like Carlos Fuente, Nick Perdomo, Jeremiah Meerapfel, Al Micallef, Jose
Blanco, and others, who have acknowledged the impact of the SOTL Global
Movement.
You can find some of these statements and the impact of our
work in this article:
Cigar
Journal Article
The Power of Education
Education is a cornerstone of the Sisters of the Leaf Global
Movement, and the Certified Cigar Sommelier Tobacconist (CCST) certification is
at the heart of this educational endeavor. The CCST program is designed to
provide comprehensive knowledge about cigars, from the farming and production
processes to the art of pairing and tasting.
Τhe leadership
team and the advisory board of the movement emphasize the importance of the
CCST certification for anyone serious about their cigar journey. The
certification enhances personal knowledge and adds credibility to those who
wish to work in or contribute to the cigar industry. For women in the movement,
the CCST certification is a tool for empowerment, enabling them to thrive and
excel within the cigar community.
The SGM Maestro School of CCST Alumni
The SOTL Global Movement of the School of Sommeliers
Alumni’s mission is to foster a community of graduates by offering a platform
to network, share knowledge, and develop professionally.
In addition to networking opportunities, SGM—in
collaboration with the Humo Latino magazine— present interviews with each
member of the SGM Alumni, available in both Spanish and English, to spread the
experiences and passions of the graduates, who serve as a source of inspiration
for aspiring sommeliers.
The Sisters of the Leaf Global Movement is more than
just a global organization; it's a revolution in the cigar world. The movement is breaking barriers and creating
new opportunities for self-development for both women and men. It fosters
personal growth, the setting and achieving of new goals, and the creation of
new life pathways, ultimately sculpting a better world.
