Meet The Team

Damonte Stogner is the founder and owner of Coffee for a Cause. With a personal and professional background in criminal justice, Damonte began working extensively with nonprofit organizations starting in 2017. His solo practice continued to grow, leading to the decision to develop a professional services firm addressing at-promise youth and reentry needs of nonprofits locally and nationwide. Nonetheless, Coffee for a Cause was launched in August, 2021.

My family coffee adventure began when my brother and I purchased a plot of land in Jutiapa, Guatemala in 2013. Over the past few years with the help of family we have worked to turn the micro-lot into a producing SL28 specialty coffee farm located in the Oriente coffee growing region of Guatemala. Walter lives in Des Moines, IA.

Brandon is 30 years old and from Indianapolis, IN. He is a 4x All-American in collegiate wrestling and represented the USA National Team in 2017-2018 at 61kg. He is the current owner and head coach of Wright Way Wrestling.

Brandon's Communication in developing relationships has been highly noted in his field as well as others. His high energy and passion is always an addition when looking to expand ideas and relationships.

Kyven Gadson is an American freestyle wrestler from Waterloo, Iowa. At Iowa State University, Gadson was a three-time All-American and three-time Big 12 Champs. 

Gadson is currently wrestling for the Cyclone Regional Training Center based in Ames, Iowa, and the Sunkist Kids. He competed at the Olympic team trials in 2021 and finished as a second alternative. Kevin is currently training to make the 2024 Olympic team in Paris.

Outside of wrestling, Gadson is closely involved in the community and helped co-found two nonprofits in 2020. The Be Rare Initiative and the Black Wrestling Association are Kyven’s sources for pursuing his passions in building his legacy. Kevin currently lives in Ames with his two-year-old daughter Hayven.

Marc Tong Van has a professional background in mixed martial arts coaching youth and professional adults. Marc uses the lessons taught through sports to build businesses and mentoring others. Marc has direct experience with the criminal justice system and believes there are genuine people who want to help and also those who deserve a second chance. Marc also believes in self-sufficient stewardship of the land and sustainable agricultural practices.

Jorge Romero, Director of Community Engagement for Coffee For A Cause is a person that has seen and been there first hand to experience what it is like to come back into the community after re-entry. Jorge had a vision, he knew if he stayed focused and worked hard he would find a way to make an impact in the community.

After six years of working in many trade industries he got connected with Damonte Stogner who has the same vision and is already making a difference. Damonte has asked him to take on the leading role in "The ReEntry Simulation'' to help employers and service providers understand and step into the shoes of a returning citizen. Jorge has a lot of knowledge in this area and is excited to implement strategies and ideas to help people understand that we can all make a difference.

"I am results driven" Jorge Romero