LIVING HUMANIST VALUES: A Conversation with the Owners of Congress Coffee | June 2026 Webinar

We sat down with Johanna Schwartz and Nick Papai, owners of Congress Coffee Company, for a conversation about what it means to live humanist values in everyday life. Johanna and Nick have built Congress Coffee into far more than a café. Part community hub, part live music venue, and part creative gathering space, Congress uses coffee as the foundation for connection, conversation, and community. By saying “yes” to a wide array of neighbours, artists, activists, and community groups, Congress has become an irreverent, quirky, and welcoming third space where people can come together and leave their mark. Together, we discuss how humanist values such as compassion, creativity, community engagement, and social responsibility can shape the spaces we build and the lives we lead. About the Speakers: Johanna Schwartz is the owner and co-operator of Congress Coffee alongside her partner, Nick Papai. After a 20+ year career in nonprofit communications, Johanna set out to recreate the best of 1990s coffee house culture with a focus on connection, conversation, and creativity. With a tiny budget and a great deal of determination, Congress Coffee opened its doors in 2023 and has since become a beloved gathering place for Calgary's creative and community-minded residents. Nick Papai is the sound technician and co-operator of Congress Coffee. Drawing on decades of experience as an acoustician, electrician, and carpenter, Nick developed the venue's live music program and has earned Congress a reputation as one of the best-sounding rooms in Calgary for performers. He is passionate about sharing his knowledge of acoustics and supporting local artists. Beyond Congress, Nick serves as President of the Greenview Business Improvement Area, helping to improve safety, beautify the neighbourhood, and activate creative spaces through initiatives such as the annual Tango 2 Echo street festival and Graffiti Jam. About Humanist Canada: Humanist Canada is a national charitable organization that promotes reason, compassion, secularism, and human rights. Through education, advocacy, and community-building, we work to advance a society where everyone can live with dignity, freedom, and equality. Learn more about Humanist Canada: https://www.humanistcanada.ca Subscribe to our channel for more conversations exploring humanism, ethics, community, and contemporary social issues. #HumanistCanada #Humanism #LivingHumanistValues #CommunityBuilding #SecularHumanism #Secularism