Laila Ghambari

Laila Ghambari is an award-winning barista, entrepreneur, and industry leader whose 20-year career has helped shape the modern specialty coffee landscape. Raised in Seattle in a family of hospitality entrepreneurs, she learned the fundamentals of hard work and service from her father, who owned one of the city’s first European-style cafés. That early exposure to coffee culture—and to the realities of small business ownership—sparked a lifelong passion that continues to guide her today.

Over the years, Laila has held leadership roles across some of the most respected roasters in the country and served on the Barista Guild Council, eventually becoming its Chair. In 2014, she earned the title of U.S. Barista Champion, a recognition that cemented her as one of coffee’s most influential voices. After years of building education programs and leading café operations, she founded her own consulting business, helping companies of all sizes elevate their coffee programs and leadership practices.

In 2024, Laila took her next leap by purchasing Portland-based Guilder Cafe & Juniors roasted coffee. Now united under a new brand identity as Guilder Coffee Company, her focus is on guiding the business into its next chapter while nurturing the people and community that power it.

Driven by confidence, empathy, and grace, Laila continues to model what it means to lead with both strength and humanity—balancing the demands of entrepreneurship, motherhood, and mentorship with a deep belief in connection and purpose.