Profile

Vanessa Ortiz

Founder and CEO,
Cafecito | Friends & Co. Coffee

Contact Details

Cafecito | Friends & Co. Coffee

Bio

I’m the Founder and CEO of Friends & Co. Coffee located in the Ballpark District and Cafecito, a Mexican pop-up coffee shop. 

Our goals at Friends & Co. and Cafecito are one in the same, to honor culture, cultivate community, and foster connection. Coffee is a vehicle to bring people together. Come visit us! 

Community is one of my personal values and I’m deeply committed to advancing equity and women’s leadership. I serve as Past Chair of the Colorado Women’s Chamber of Commerce Associate Board, where I help expand access to career, educational, and networking resources for women. I also support the Pink Boots Society, contributing to scholarship funding and educational opportunities for women and non-binary individuals in the fermented and alcoholic beverage industry.

Across my work, I’m driven by intentional leadership, community-building, and creating spaces where people feel seen, supported, and empowered.

Education

University of California, Riverside
B.S. Anthropology | B.A. Gender and Sexuality Studies
2009 To 2013

Job History

Friends & Co. Coffee
boss barista & ceo
Denver, CO, United States
November 2025 - present

Cafecito
Founder & CEO
Denver, CO, United States
May 2021 - present

Bespoke
Senior Director of Business Operations
Denver, CO, United States
August 2020 - November 2025