Shamsa and Matthew
M.A.D.E. Finest From The Motherland
Exceptional Coffee. Real Stories. Lasting Impact.
We partner directly with African farmers to bring you specialty coffee that’s fresh, ethically sourced, and full of purpose. Every bean tells a story, every cup makes a difference, and every sip connects you to a community we’re proud to empower.
Shamsa Diahn
Co-Founder and CEO
Shamsa Diahn grew up on a coffee farm in Kenya, surrounded by the breathtaking landscapes of Mount Elgon. Her upbringing gave her a deep understanding of coffee farming, from planting to harvesting. Shamsa’s connection to her roots fuels her desire to empower farmers and uplift their communities by sharing their stories with the world.
Matthew Diahn
Co-Founder and CEO
Matthew Diahn grew up in the lush cocoa and coffee farms of Liberia and the Ivory Coast. His early experiences instilled a profound appreciation for the labor and dedication behind coffee cultivation. Witnessing the challenges faced by farmers, Matthew developed a strong commitment to women's empowerment and fair trade practices, ensuring farmers receive fair compensation for their hard work.
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“Matthew is from West Africa, Shamsa is from East Africa. The thing that both regions have in common is cocoa and coffee.”
Our Team
Pancho Y. Gaye
Head of Operations, Africa
Based in Tuzon, Grand Gedeh, Liberia, I bring over 30 years of hands-on experience in West Africa’s coffee and cocoa industry. Recruited into the field at 19 for my language skills and cultural fluency, I’ve built trusted cross-border relationships in Liberia and Ivory Coast, where I was raised among coffee and cocoa farms. Fluent in French, Dutch, and several local dialects, I manage supplier acquisition, training, and ground operations—from farm to port. My work ensures quality, trust, and impact in every shipment, carrying forward the legacy and story of African-grown coffee and cocoa.
Francis Kamuhanda
Sourcing Manager
Francis was raised in a coffee growing family. So it’s no surprise that he’s been working in the coffee industry since 2009. His knowledge and passion for coffee translates beautifully during his interactions with the farmers and suppliers. He is skillful in coffee quality control, procurement, and exporting which makes him the perfect fit as our Sourcing Manager.
Barty B. Gaye
Head of Quality, West Africa
A third-generation coffee and cocoa farmer with decades of hands-on experience, Barty brings deep-rooted agricultural knowledge and academic leadership to MADE. Raised on his father’s plantation and now managing his own in Liberia and Ivory Coast, he ensures top-tier quality across all sourcing regions. As a university lecturer and Vice Principal at Life’s Kent Foundation Institute, Barty blends mentorship and technical expertise to lead quality control, improve post-harvest processes, and train farmers. His leadership guarantees that every bean and pod from MADE Finest reflects generations of excellence and care.
Alphoneso Sayee
Supply Chain Manager
Based in Monrovia, Liberia, Alphoneso is a multilingual professional with deep experience in Liberia’s agriculture market. He will work alongside Pancho and Joshua where his focus is on managing the transport of our products from farm to port
Kenny Walker
Brand Advocate, Pacific Northwest
Based in Portland, OR, Kenny is a trusted voice in the community and a passionate advocate for MADE Finest. With deep local roots, a love for education, and a talent for connecting with people across all walks of life, he brings our mission to life through community outreach, storytelling, and brand visibility. As a seasoned traveler and charismatic speaker, Kenny helps grow awareness of our ethically sourced coffee and cocoa while building lasting relationships across the region.