About Us

So how can coffee play a role in global health? The name of this coffee “Dame Luz” translates to “Give me light” and represents both the warm culture of the Dominican Republic and the cause behind these beans. All of the proceeds from this coffee support the Global Health Interest Group’s mission to provide eyecare to rural Dominican Republic on a consistent basis. In fact, each bag sold of this coffee provides optics for twelve Dominicans in need.

Coffee is something that the Dominican Republic grows well and can export to other nations, creating jobs and economic stability. Grown in the high-altitude forests of the Cordillera Central mountains, the coffee ripens slowly and offers the farmers and workers in this region a better-than-fair-trade livelihood. The coffee farm boasts shade grown plants under a canopy of Hispaniola pine, banana, macadamia and guava trees. The coffee is delicious with a gentle flavor of citrus followed by a rounded nuttiness. It’s a very well-rounded coffee and will likely appeal to all types of coffee drinkers.

This world-class Dominican coffee will not only support the Global Health Program but will also help build up an industry that can cultivate socioeconomic well-being for many. This coffee will bring joy to your day and help generate a future of economic security, health and wellness to the great people of our partner community. Thank you and please enjoy your cup!

DAME LUZ

FOUNDING Members

Neeraj Vij

Neeraj Vij is a medical student at the College of Medicine - Phoenix who is passionate about healthcare delivery to international underserved communities. While traveling to the Dominican Republic, he became more aware of the global burden of eye disease and his newfound love for coffee! His other interests include mountain biking, swimming, and spending time with his younger brother.

Jayson Lolling

Jayson Lolling is the manager of the Blue House Coffee café and a dedicated coffee maestro. Dame Luz is a combination of two of Jayson’s passions, giving back to the community and quality coffee. Ask Jayson to serve you up a Dame Luz cold brew or latte at the café and be prepared for some magic.

Sam Beger

Sam Beger is a current medical student at the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix. Prior to medical school, Sam, along with Nick DiPastena, started a Phoenix Based roasting company, Blue House Coffee. Sam is interested in how Global Health and agricultural/economic development can be combined.

Nicholas DiPastena

Nicholas DiPastena is a founder and owner of Blue House Coffee Goods. He also manages Strategic Partnerships at Lyft in San Francisco. He loves spending time with his wife Kat and his dog Olive DiPastena

Matthew Mitchell

Matthew Mitchell is a medical student from the University of Arizona College of Medicine - Phoenix, Class of 2021. He claims heritage to both Arizona and Utah and graduated from Brigham Young University in 2017 with a Bachelor of Science degree in neuroscience. He enjoys sports, camping, eating, and, most of all, spending time with his wonderful wife and beautiful daughter.

Dr. Robin Ross – Physician Mentor

Dr. Robin Ross is faculty at the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix as well as the physician leader of the University’s Global Health expeditions to the Dominican Republic. She is an accomplished Ophthalmologist who specializes in retina surgery. Dr. Ross is a passionate global health advocate and has performed eye surgeries all over the world for communities in need.

Brennan Enright

Brennan Enright is from Minnesota and carries the midwestern charm where ever he goes. Brennan is an avid adventurer and has trekked everywhere from the tumbling glaciers of Mount Rainier to the misty coasts of the Olympic peninsula. Brennan views Dame Luz as a combination of both his passion for travel, adventure and most importantly helping people through medicine.