Creating meaningful spaces where people feel seen and connected has become increasingly important in a city as diverse as Doha. For Glenda, founder of Un Cafecito En Doha, community is about far more than gathering over coffee; it is about creating belonging, friendships, and shared experiences for women navigating life away from home. Originally from Ecuador and now based in Qatar, Glenda has transformed a simple idea inspired by comfort and connection into a growing multicultural platform that brings women together through culture, wellness, and local experiences.
For the June issue, Sara Naveed from Qreate got the chance to speak with Glenda about the inspiration behind Un Cafecito En Doha, how the community has grown, and her vision for empowering women through meaningful connections.
Qreate: What inspired you to create Un Cafecito En Doha, and what gap did you hope it would fill?
Glenda: Un Cafecito En Doha was inspired by the feeling of missing home while living abroad. I wanted to create a welcoming space where women, especially Latinas and expats, could connect through conversation, culture, and shared experiences. In our culture, a cafecito represents comfort, friendship, and community, not just coffee. The goal was to help women feel less alone while also discovering local businesses, wellness spaces, and creative experiences across Doha.
Qreate: How has the community evolved since it first started, and what has surprised you the most along the way?
Glenda: What started as a small gathering between a few women has grown into a supportive multicultural community where genuine friendships are created naturally. The most surprising part has been seeing how quickly women connect after attending only one event.
It’s also been amazing to see how many local businesses and brands have wanted to become part of the movement and collaborate with us to create meaningful experiences for women in Doha like The Muse Hotel, Starfish Lane Kids Nursery, Beanz Café, Casa Pilates, Sip & Bite, Abesq Hotels & Resorts, and Amora Pizza.
Qreate: What makes creating spaces for women and cultural connection so important in Doha?
Glenda: Doha is such an international city, and while that diversity is beautiful, it can also feel overwhelming at times, especially for women living far from family and lifelong friendships. Creating intentional spaces for connection helps people feel seen, welcomed, and included. It’s important for women to have communities where they can relax, share experiences openly, celebrate their culture, and build meaningful relationships.
I also believe cultural spaces help people discover and support local businesses in a more authentic and human way, which creates a stronger sense of community overall.
Qreate: Can you share a memorable moment or story from the community that has stayed with you?
Glenda: One of the most special moments has been realizing that many women join our community only one week after arriving in Qatar. It showed me that Un Cafecito en Doha has become a welcoming space that helps women adapt, build friendships, and feel connected during an important life transition. A beautiful example is our Cafecito Turista series, where we explore different areas of Doha through guided walks, coffee meetups, hidden gems, and shared experiences. Watching women discover the city, connect with others, and start feeling at home in Doha is incredibly meaningful.
Qreate: What is your vision for Un Cafecito En Doha in the future?
Glenda: My vision for Un Cafecito En Doha is to continue growing into a platform that connects women through culture creativity, wellness and meaningful experiences. I would love to expand collaborations with local businesses, support more women-led brands and create events where women can network, feel inspired and build genuine friendships.
I also hope to continue expanding initiatives like Cafecito Turista so more women can explore Doha through shared experiences. Most importantly, I want every event to always feel welcoming community driven.
