Celebrating Pride: Meet your Starbucks Reserve Roastery partner, Lady Anne

“…to be who we truly are with confidence and self-respect”

Join us in meeting our Milan based partner, Lady Anne (she/her), from the Starbucks Reserve Roastery team who shares her background and experiences and talks about the importance of Pride Heritage Month.

Tell us a bit about yourself, your background, and how long you have been a partner?

“My name is Lady Anne, 34 years old and originally from the Philippines. I grew up in a city called Baguio, also known as the ‘Summer Capital of the Philippines’ – a mountainous area where coffee plantations grow due to the favourable climate. I have been a partner since 2018.”

Tell us about your Starbucks journey?

“My journey at the Starbucks Reserve Roastery Milano has been eye-opening. My love and passion for coffee was unlocked the moment I joined the company. Throughout my journey, I've learnt a lot about teamwork and how to be passionate about the things I love doing the most. I am grateful to be part of this Starbucks family because they gave me the opportunity to learn and to grow.”

What does Pride Heritage Month mean to you, and why is it important to celebrate the landmark?

“Pride Heritage Month for me is a great reminder that each and every one of us has a right to be who we truly are with confidence and self-respect – accepting who you are and having the courage to speak the truth, which is the true essence of freedom.”

What does ‘to be a partner’ mean to you?

“Having empathy and being a helping hand to those in need – I genuinely believe that two heads are better than one.”

What is your greatest Starbucks achievement so far?

“Achievement is a big word for me – I am the type of person who lives in the present. Working with my fellow partners (employees) and seeing our customers leave the Roastery with a smile are all part of my achievements. Also, I have been nominated as Partner of the Quarter.”

Who and what inspires you?

“Being a mother to a wonderful daughter.”

What advice would you give to your younger self?

“My advice would be to value everything that life throws at you – everything can either be a lesson or an opportunity to grow and to be a better version of yourself.”

Starbucks has a long legacy of LGBTQ+ inclusion with more than three decades of pride support and advocacy. Pride Heritage Month offers us an opportunity to celebrate the culture and diversity of our partners and the communities we serve. Starbucks is supporting this year’s Milano Pride and as part of the celebrations, the Reserve Roastery Milano will proudly display the Pride flag from 16 June to 3 July.