Buriens Juneteenth Farmers Market to feature Goodwill Barista Graduate Mary Hongs cold brew debut

Mary Hong will debut her cold brew and caffeine-free iced beverages at the Burien Juneteenth Farmers Market on June 19, 2025, following her graduation from Evergreen Goodwill’s Barista Entrepreneurship Training Program. This hands-on program equips job seekers with essential skills for the coffee industry, including barista techniques and customer service training. “Mary is a force of wonder,” said Tony Phan, the program coordinator, highlighting her potential to create positive change in her community. Graduates often find employment with local partners, but Hong is taking a unique path by launching her own coffee booth. She is also looking into opportunities at additional farmers markets to expand her business.

Her ultimate aspiration is to open an inclusive café modeled after one she visited on the East Coast, where people with and without physical disabilities work together. The Burien Juneteenth Farmers Market represents a significant opportunity for Hong to engage with the community and showcase her entrepreneurial spirit. Evergreen Goodwill has been supporting job seekers since 1923, emphasizing the importance of accessible training and employment services.