Over the last four years, <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/stories/2022/starbucks-reaches-goal-of-supporting-women-and-girls-in-coffee-and-tea-origin-communities/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Starbucks Foundation</a> has partnered with nonprofit organisations around the world to support 250,000 women and girls in coffee-, tea-, and cocoa-growing communities including the investment of $14 million in grants. This International Women's Day, we are pleased to announce our new goal to positively impact 1 million women and girls by 2030.

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In Africa, The Starbucks Foundation is awarding five grants to uplift women in coffee communities in Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda and Tanzania. This year, Foundation also awarded its first-ever grant to support cocoa-growing communities in Cote d'Ivoire.

<a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/press/2022/the-starbucks-foundation-commits-to-uplift-one-million-women-and-girls-in-origin-communities-by-2030/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Learn more </a>about the organisations we are supporting in Africa and across the globe.

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Behind the Green Apron

Behind the Green Apron Archives - Starbucks Stories EMEA

Starbucks Stories EMEA

Supporting Women in Coffee, Tea and Cocoa Communities - Starbucks Stories EMEA

https://stories.starbucks.com/emea/stories/behind-the-green-apron/

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Supporting Women in Coffee, Tea and Cocoa Communities

Over the last four years, The Starbucks Foundation has partnered with nonprofit organisations around the world to support 250,000 women and girls in coffee-, tea-, and cocoa-growing communities including the investment of $14 million in grants. This International Women&#8217;s Day, we are pleased to announce our new goal to positively impact 1 million women and […]

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https://stories.starbucks.com/emea/stories/2022/supporting-women-in-coffee-tea-and-cocoa-communities/

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As we crown a new EMEA Barista Champion, <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/emea/stories/2021/lebanons-cynthia-khattar-crowned-barista-champion-2021/">Cynthia Khattar from Lebanon</a>, we took a trip to South Africa to catch up with the partner passing Cynthia the golden pitcher and purple apron: <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/emea/stories/2019/south-africa-scoops-the-title-of-2019-emea-barista-champion/">Teddy Nzama</a>.

Teddy scooped the title of best barista across Europe, the Middle East and Africa in 2019 and held the title for nearly 24 months. 

What was Teddy's life like before Starbucks, how did he become a champion, and what has been happening since? This is Teddy's journey...

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Teddy's Journey - Starbucks Stories EMEA

The Life of a Champion As we crown a new EMEA Barista Champion, Cynthia Khattar from Lebanon, we took a trip to South Africa to catch up with the partner passing Cynthia the golden pitcher and purple apron: Teddy Nzama. Teddy scooped the title of best barista across Europe, the Middle East and Africa in […]

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https://stories.starbucks.com/emea/stories/2021/teddys-journey-barista-champion/

Teddy’s Journey

It might have been raining in England, but at Starbucks iconic Tower Place store in London, there was still plenty to smile about, as partners from 26 countries across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa competed in the finals to become this year’s 2021 EMEA Barista Champion.

Streaming in real-time online for the very first time assessible to over 40,000 partners from across the region, the day kicked off with presenter Simon Thomas and Duncan Moir, president of EMEA, live from London, welcoming each of the <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://stories.starbucks.com/emea/stories/2021/meet-your-top-16-finalists-for-the-emea-barista-championship-2021/" data-type="URL" data-id="https://stories.starbucks.com/emea/stories/2021/meet-your-top-16-finalists-for-the-emea-barista-championship-2021/" target="_blank">16 finalists</a> from their homes across the region, from Russia to France, South Africa to Denmark.

Broadcast for the very first time, in our 50th anniversary year, audiences got a real-time behind-the-scenes peek into the magic behind the screen, as Simon Thomas squeezed through high-tech camera set-ups to take viewers through a tour of the newly refurbished store, its state-of-the-art <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://stories.starbucks.com/emea/stories/2021/new-reserve-bar-in-londons-tower-place/" data-type="URL" data-id="https://stories.starbucks.com/emea/stories/2021/new-reserve-bar-in-londons-tower-place/" target="_blank">Reserve bar</a>, and specialty erected green screen.

Before judging began, Simon was put through his paces with his very own coffee tasting, led by Robert Lynch, Lois and Natalie, in which Simon took “his first-ever slurp on TV”.

And then it was time for the battle to begin, as 16 candidates were whittled down to just four finalists through a grueling Latte Art Throwdown head-to-head, in which viewers at home, across all our 43 markets, voted for their favourite.

Finally, we were down to the final four: Italy, Lebanon, Austria, and South Africa, leading judges from across the business to make the nerve-wracking final call on this year’s winner… Cynthia Khattar from Lebanon!

Panning to her store in Mansourieh near Beirut, Cynthia’s partners rushed on-screen to celebrate, a three-year partner with Alshaya whose passion for coffee began when she watched her barista trainer pour a latte art finish, inspiring years of practice, research, and refining, and now see her crowned Barista Champion 2021.&nbsp;

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The accolade no doubt comes as welcome news to Lebanon, where <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/emea/stories/2020/starbucks-foundation-and-alshaya-group-donate-to-lebanon-disaster-relief-efforts/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">just over a year ago </a>partners in the country’s capital Beirut experienced one of the world’s largest-ever non-nuclear explosions.

As part of her win, Cynthia will receive her very own coffee named after her, made at the Starbucks Reserve Roastery in Milan, in its own limited edition bag design.

A stellar victory for a deserved champ, we can’t wait to see what Cynthia does next… but if one thing’s for sure, it will likely involve the copious amount of coffee.

We leave you with some extended highlights from the EMEA Barista Championship 2021:

Lights, Camera, Action: Lebanon’s Cynthia Khattar crowned Barista Champion 2021, live from Central London - Starbucks Stories EMEA

Lights, Camera, Action: Lebanon’s Cynthia Khattar crowned Barista Champion 2021, live from Central London

Updated: 22 November 2021 It might have been raining in England, but at Starbucks iconic Tower Place store in London, there was still plenty to smile about, as partners from 26 countries across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa competed in the finals to become this year’s 2021 EMEA Barista Champion. Streaming in real-time online […]

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https://stories.starbucks.com/emea/stories/2021/lebanons-cynthia-khattar-crowned-barista-champion-2021/

There is always a person behind the coffee, but could there be a champion barista behind your next beverage? Meet the 16 finalists from across Europe, Middle East, and Africa competing to win the title of Barista Champion 2021.

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Meet your Top 16 finalists for the EMEA Barista Championship 2021 - Starbucks Stories EMEA

Meet your Top 16 finalists for the EMEA Barista Championship 2021

There is always a person behind the coffee, but could there be a champion barista behind your next beverage? Meet the 16 finalists from across Europe, Middle East, and Africa competing to win the title of Barista Champion 2021. Stefani, Austria Hercules, Cyprus Julia, Czech Republic Victoria, France Zalan, Hungary Isabella, Italy Cynthia, Lebanon Jurre, […]

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https://stories.starbucks.com/emea/stories/2021/meet-your-top-16-finalists-for-the-emea-barista-championship-2021/

They say good things come to those who wait, and after a year hiatus, over 40, 000 partners from across Europe, Middle East, and Africa are finally getting their chance to be crowned Barista Champion, at the long-awaited 2021 awards.

Putting the proverb to the test and making up for a lost time, this year will also see the pinnacle event streamed online for the very first time.

Fully interactive, viewers can chat and react along the way, and for the first time, the audience will now decide who makes it to the final as they vote in real-time during the popular latte art throwdown round.

Testing their skills from bean to cup, partners will answer questions on ethical sourcing, as well as tasting and serving different coffee blends and techniques as we whittle down the finalists from 26 to the final four throughout the two-day event, before the finalists are put in front of an expert panel of judges to decide who is crowned this year's winner at the Starbucks EMEA Barista Championship. All the action will be live from Central London, right next to London's iconic Tower Bridge.

Renovated this year to serve as a pinnacle of Starbucks retail, product, and innovation, Starbucks Tower Place store has been carefully designed to champion handcrafted coffee and celebrate coffee craft culture.

Marking the first of many moments of reconnection, we have found new ways to connect and come together online to celebrate that whoever you are, wherever you are, whatever you believe, we are all connected by coffee.

EMEA Barista Championship is back and live-streamed from Central London connecting 40,000 partners - Starbucks Stories EMEA

EMEA Barista Championship is back and live-streamed from Central London connecting 40,000 partners

They say good things come to those who wait, and after a year hiatus, over 40, 000 partners from across Europe, Middle East, and Africa are finally getting their chance to be crowned Barista Champion, at the long-awaited 2021 awards. Putting the proverb to the test and making up for a lost time, this year […]

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https://stories.starbucks.com/emea/stories/2021/emea-barista-championship-is-back-and-live-streamed-for-the-first-time-ever-from-tower-place/

October marks Black History Month – an annual opportunity to celebrate the history, achievements and contributions of those with black heritage. This year, we celebrate Black History Month under the notion of “Keep Going” towards racial equity and progression.

The aim of this month is to keep uplifting, educating, inspiring, and supporting the community to push forward by celebrating black positive contributions, challenging our thoughts, and enhancing our cultural awareness.

The Black Partner Network has created artwork that represents the marches and social movements that have occurred in the battle for equity and justice. Notice the intricate dots in different shades, this represents the many people that have come together to advocate, educate, and support the black community.

This Black History Month, we welcome you to get to know and honour the individual identities and perspectives of some of our black partners. Join us in meeting a few of our EMEA retail partners who celebrate their journeys and share the importance of this month!

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Tell us a bit about your role in the business and how long you’ve been a partner?

I am proud to have been a partner for 12 years, managing a leading some of our high-volume stores. It has been an honour and a privilege to work with many amazing partners from diverse backgrounds – which is one of the things I love most about my job.

Why is black history month important to you and what excites you the most about it?

A continued engagement with our heritage is important as it helps us understand the present. It’s exciting to appreciate and celebrate achievements and how far we have all come.

What does equality mean to you?

Equality to me is where everyone has the same opportunity to make the most of their lives and talents irrespective of who they are.

I began my career with Starbucks as a barista and have been a partner for 5 years.

Why is black history month important to you and what excites you the most about it?

It’s important because at school we did not have the opportunity to learn about black history, and I believe that there is a big opportunity to educate all generations. We must speak about it to keep the history alive and there is still a lot more to learn on black history, heritage, and culture. Many things excite me about this month, but I am particularly interested in all the strong women, such as Harriet Tubman and Rosa Parks, who were brave enough to fight against racial segregation. All those brave women played a part in making the world a better place for everybody, regardless of their skin colour.

Equality to me is about having the opportunity to reach your true potential whatever race, age, or gender you are.

I began my Starbucks journey in 2017. To me, being a shift supervisor is about more than a set of skills and qualifications, I believe attitude and willingness to learn are equally as important. I am aware that I can't do everything alone; I trust my team and continue to motivate them to be the best they can be.

It’s important because black history, achievements, and struggles are rarely spoken about or celebrated and so young black people like me, were left unaware of what others that look like them can become or achieve. Black communities, culture, and identities are different and one month does not allow for many untold stories and perspectives. It does, however, encourage important conversations to begin on institutional racism, racial injustice, and black joy.

What advice would you give your younger self?

Enjoy all the little moments as growing up isn’t as fun as you think! Make mistakes, learn, and don’t repeat. Lastly, you’re original so why be a copy?

I’ve been privileged to be a Starbucks partner for 11 years, beginning as a barista. Following graduation from university, I decided to grow and develop at Starbucks because I felt a great sense of belonging. For me, my Starbucks experience has been one that has really lived up to our mission statement and commitment to diversity. I would like to take the opportunity to thank all the partners that have crossed my path on this journey. We really are an incredible group of people!

It’s important because it’s an opportunity to celebrate true diversity. It’s also a brilliant way to showcase how far we have come as a society in ensuring freedom and equality for all. Whilst we are not yet a truly equal society, it is refreshing to see the great strides in the right direction.

Equality for me is about ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to rise and fall, succeed or fail based on their ability and the content of their character alone. Equality looks like a multi-racial workforce, government, and school system. A society where people of all backgrounds are fully represented in all spheres of life, as CEOs, company directors, middle management, and entrepreneurs across all sectors of the economy.

Starbucks partners share how they celebrate Black History Month - Starbucks Stories EMEA

Starbucks partners share how they celebrate Black History Month

October marks Black History Month – an annual opportunity to celebrate the history, achievements and contributions of those with black heritage. This year, we celebrate Black History Month under the notion of “Keep Going” towards racial equity and progression. The aim of this month is to keep uplifting, educating, inspiring, and supporting the community to […]

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https://stories.starbucks.com/emea/stories/2021/starbucks-partners-share-how-they-celebrate-black-history-month/

Meet <a href="https://ibbytarafdar.com/">Ibrahim Tarafdar</a> – Ibby for short – who’s a young graphic designer and barista based in Cardiff, Wales. A loyal customer turned partner (employee), Ibby joined Starbucks in 2010, the same year he started studying graphic communication at college.

Ibby who was born and raised in the UK and is the eldest of five children in his family. His parents immigrated from Bangladesh, which meant at home he did not use English as his first language and while this was an initial barrier, it became something he learnt to quickly overcome.

“When I went to school, I was good at art and reading, which were two skills needed to pursue my passion for Graphic Communication.”

As a creative individual, Ibby recalls his first impression of Starbucks was the iconic Siren, a mythological creature at the centre of our cups, always ensuring the bold colour green is front-and-centre.

American culture and lifestyle have always been a big fascination for Ibby. Upon graduating from university in 2014, he decided to work on his own business, balancing life as a Starbucks barista at the same time. Ibby’s career break came when he designed the brand logo for world champion boxer, Gervonta ‘Tank’ Davis, who is signed to Floyd Mayweather. This high-profile project has given him great exposure, and people started reaching out to him through email and social media from all over the U.S., which has proved key to his continued success. However, one thing that has kept Ibby grounded throughout is his local Starbucks community.

“Starbucks has always given me that platform to connect with people from all walks of life. This is important for me as it resonates personally, but it is also in our Mission and Values ‘“to create a culture of warmth and belonging where everyone is welcome’.”

Throughout his 10 years at Starbucks, connection remains one of his favourite aspects of the role. He recalls that Starbucks is all about: “creating moments of connection with customers who sometimes only visit when I’m working and still remember my name after all these years.”

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Ibby also talks about connection with his fellow partners (employees), “working together with partners has helped me understand how to be a team player and work collaboratively to deliver the Starbucks Experience.”

Over the years, he feels his connection has grown towards his local community, who he enjoys working with his role in store. He has been invited to schools and universities and does a lot of public speaking, and one thing he always mention is Starbucks, given it is such a prominent part of his life.

“'Believe in your dreams and dream big. And then after you’ve done that, dream bigger’ (Howard Schultz quote) – This is something I have been able to accomplish. I really do feel that Starbucks allowed me to achieve my dreams.”

“When you hear my story, it instantly gives you hope that our Mission and Values really go beyond the four walls of the store, they are life-long values. There is an abundance of knowledge and wisdom that every partner can learn from; not only my story, but the hundreds of people we serve daily.”

Since 1971, Starbucks has been a different kind of company. Our mission has been to inspire and nurture the human spirit. Starbucks believes in making a positive difference for partners, customers, and society around our three core areas – inclusion, opportunity, and community – to create a warm, welcoming experience for all who visit our stores, and a more inclusive, diverse, and equitable work experience at every level within Starbucks.

Meet Ibby – Starbucks barista designing an inspiring future - Starbucks Stories EMEA

Meet Ibby – Starbucks barista designing an inspiring future

Meet Ibrahim Tarafdar – Ibby for short – who’s a young graphic designer and barista based in Cardiff, Wales. A loyal customer turned partner (employee), Ibby joined Starbucks in 2010, the same year he started studying graphic communication at college. Ibby who was born and raised in the UK and is the eldest of five […]

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https://stories.starbucks.com/emea/stories/2021/meet-ibby-starbucks-barista-designing-an-inspiring-future/

Before the civil unrest, to be accepted in any language school was enough for a Syrian citizen to come easily to the U.K.

That was how Tam's eldest brother came, 20 years ago, he had studied English Literature in Syria and came to the U.K. in search of better employment opportunities.

Tam, the youngest member of the family, came in 2016 yet his&nbsp;journey was very different: “The journey was different because I did not have a choice, knowing that my life will be in danger, and the U.K. was the only place I could go.”

Having almost lost everything he had before reaching the U.K., finding a job proved challenging due to his refugee status: "I received a lot of rejection...some people have made me feel that I was coming from another planet."

As soon as Tam saw an opportunity on the door of a Starbucks store in Vauxhall, he applied, although the Starbucks coffeehouse experience was something Tam had never come across before. From a chance application, to wearing the green apron, Tam felt a sense of belonging – he recalls: “I looked around and said to myself, be a part of this, this is not just café. It is a place to gather experiences, improve yourself. Learn language, culture and feelings. Starbucks works for people, their interests, their needs.”

Since first developing his barista skills, Tam has become a Black Apron partner, which means he is a certified Coffee Master, responsible for bringing a deeper knowledge of sourcing, roasting and making outstanding quality coffee. During his time in store, Tam completed a Master’s degree in International Business Administration from Anglia Ruskin University.

After working his way up from behind the barista bar, Tam has just begun a Commercial and Accounting apprenticeship with Starbucks U.K.’s Finance Team based at the head office. Despite having only just started his apprenticeship, Tam continues to grow and has been nominated as Starbucks Partner of the Month: “I am speechless but very happy. This gives me great motivation. Starbucks gave me a new opportunity to evolve.”

For 50 years, Starbucks has been a&nbsp;<a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/emea/stories/2019/starbucks-pride-a-long-legacy-of-lgbtq-inclusion/">values-led company</a>&nbsp;striving to create a warm and welcoming&nbsp;<a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/stories/2018/use-of-the-third-place-policy/">Third Place</a> for all who visit our stores.

We work to bring our mission to life by creating an equitable, diverse and inclusive culture and offering equal and meaningful opportunities to all, no matter who you are or where you come from.

Our industry leading refugee hiring programme, now active in 12 markets across Europe, the Middle East and Africa,&nbsp;is one of the ways we bring our people-positive aspirations to life.

Working in partnership with a number of NGO partners such as Refugee Council, Starbucks has now placed over 650 refugees into permanent roles in the business around Europe.

Meet Tam, From Behind the Bar to Accountancy Star - Starbucks Stories EMEA

Meet Tam, From Behind the Bar to Accountancy Star

Before the civil unrest, to be accepted in any language school was enough for a Syrian citizen to come easily to the U.K. That was how Tam&#8217;s eldest brother came, 20 years ago, he had studied English Literature in Syria and came to the U.K. in search of better employment opportunities. Tam, the youngest member […]

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https://stories.starbucks.com/emea/stories/2021/meet-tam-barista-to-accountancy-world-refugee-day-2021/

For Women’s Heritage Month this March, we have been celebrating women who are redefining leadership and stepping up in new ways. Here, we meet a few of our Starbucks EMEA partners.

Q: Tell us a bit about yourself, your career, your role in the business and how long you've been a Starbucks partner?

A: I’m married and mother to two beautiful kids, Angela &amp; Karim.&nbsp;Born in 1987 and raised in the eastern province of Saudi Arabia, I graduated in 2009 with a bachelor’s in interior design from New York Institute of Technology.&nbsp;After I graduated, I worked as a designer for several years before changing careers and working as a business developer, before moving into sales and marketing for corporate interior projects, and then into district management. I’ve been a Starbucks partner for the past year and am passionate about women in leadership roles. As well as aspiring to be successful in my own career, I also aim to encourage, inspire, and chart the path for more women to achieve success, and increase diversity in the workplace.

Q: Why is International Women’s Day/ Women’s Heritage Month an important moment to mark for you?

A: International Women’s Day is an important day to celebrate smart, powerful women. It’s a chance to celebrate all the achievements of females, especially in Saudi Arabia with all the drastic changes we have had over the past few years.&nbsp;Saudi has taken action to accelerate gender parity by allowing women to work in almost all sectors, giving them leadership roles, and enabling them to drive, travel, and work without the consent of their father/husband to increase women’s independence and map the road to equality.

Q: What advice would you give your teenage self?&nbsp;&nbsp;

A: Believe in yourself, everything and anything is possible - the sky is your limit. And, one that I always try remember when times get tough:

“What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger”.

Q. Tell us a bit about yourself, your career, your role in the business and how long you've been a Starbucks partner?

A: I grew up in Chicago where my deep love for Starbucks began when I turned 15, when I could leave campus at lunchtime to get my daily grande mocha. Fast forward 27 years and I'm now an evangelically proud Green Apron Coffee Master and 2.5 year partner at the London office looking after sourcing for the UK. Without my team our stores wouldn’t have food, milk, or wooden cutlery for a start! At 17 I left home to start a meandering route to London, by way of Honolulu, Las Vegas, New York, and Edinburgh. In 2012 I moved to Amsterdam where I met a Dutch man and quickly locked it down – we had three children in three years, and in 2019 I returned triumphantly with all of them to London. I'm now raising my children as Dutch as possible - sprinkles on bread for breakfast and self-assured.

A: Seeing the evolution of awareness of women's experiences over the last few years, in particular the Me Too movement, has opened my eyes to the banal misogyny I grew up with in the 80s and 90s.&nbsp;We have come remarkably far in a short period of time to call out our experiences. Women's History Month and International Women's Day are opportunities to reflect on this, but more importantly bolster our&nbsp;nerve&nbsp;to talk.&nbsp;What I’ve learned in the last few years, in my 40s, is that there is no place for embarrassment, shame, or secrecy.&nbsp;

Q: Data demonstrates that COVID 19 has had a significant impact on many women’s careers. How has the pandemic impacted you, and what advice would you give to help mitigate long term impacts of the pandemic for all women at Starbucks?&nbsp;&nbsp;

A: I don't know any parents, women in particular, who have not had a hellscape of a year. For me, and others around me, there was immense pressure to hold it together for our families and our partners, and to protect my enormous privilege of employment. Women will be feeling negative economic impacts of the pandemic&nbsp;for years&nbsp;to come. But I try to remember that we are the lucky ones. In the moments you come up for air, give support to anyone you can reach, in whatever capacity you have.

A: My journey with the Starbucks brand starter almost nine years ago when I joined 23.5 Degrees, working up to my current role as Regional&nbsp;Director. My job involves communicating a compelling vision to my team to grow and develop our business, and effectively deliver the Starbucks Experience for our customers and partners. Leading a team of local managers, it’s important that I inspire and engage my team while helping execute a seamless regional operation with minimal disruption.

Q: Why is International Women’s Day/Women’s Heritage Month an important moment to mark for you?

A: Women's Heritage Month is an essential moment to mark because it is a testimony to all women. For me, it’s important to remember those who went before us and challenged the status quo, surpassing tradition to strive for more with the belief and courage to reject conventional notions about the place of women in society, and instead having a vision of a diverse society where one and all’s contributions are celebrated and recognised equally. &nbsp;

Q: What advice would you give your teenage self?&nbsp;

A: Believe in myself and to be vocal. You won’t remember the good and positive things people say but you will remember how they made you feel. And also, to embrace your mistakes, and use them to thrive.

A: I’m Roshnee, I live in London, and my highlight of 2020 was getting engaged!

I started my Starbucks journey in 2019 as a Beverages Product Developer in the Research &amp; Development team and I’ve loved every minute of it so far.

Good food is more than just a passion for me – it’s an obsession. I’m always going over new flavour combinations in my mind and contemplating new techniques to experiment with in the kitchen – that rush when it all comes to fruition for my next meal is second to none.

I have a background in Chemistry as well as a Masters in Nutrition, so working to develop innovative and (more importantly) tasty food and beverages is a dream.

Q: Why have you joined WIN and what excites you most about the activities the group have planned?

A: University was a real eye-opener for me, as I was one of only ten female students out of 200 in my Chemistry BSc – a male dominance that’s sadly common amongst all the science, technology, engineering, and mathematical degrees (STEM).

Not only is there is a severe lack of women entering these fields, but for the women who do, they must navigate often exclusionary and inflexible male-dominated cultures to succeed, meaning women in leadership roles within the STEM industry are scarce. It really is a cycle we need to break!

Therefore, I was quick to join the Women's Impact Network as I think we need to recognise that there is still important work to be done when it comes to gender equality, particularly within the STEM industries. Ignoring the historic issue of gender inequality won’t remove the glass ceiling – we must address the invisible barriers to improve our future.

I’m already so proud of all that the Women’s Impact Network has so far, and as we continue to find new ways to support and educate, I hope we can show that we’re not a “women’s only club”, and that we’d love to see allyship from all partners.

Q: What advice would you give your teenage self?

A: Relax, and don't be so hard on yourself! Worrying too much about the future takes away the energy you need to enjoy your life right now, and those teenage years go by so quickly. Every mistake you make has led you to where you are today – learn from them and become stronger! I heard someone say, "if something looks completely impossible, it's probably everything you should be doing. So don't say no too quickly". Be courageous, try it, ask the question! You're so much more capable than you think, so trust your gut and listen to your instinct.

Starbucks honours Women’s History Month - Starbucks Stories EMEA

Starbucks honours Women’s History Month

For Women’s Heritage Month this March, we have been celebrating women who are redefining leadership and stepping up in new ways. Here, we meet a few of our Starbucks EMEA partners. Q: Tell us a bit about yourself, your career, your role in the business and how long you&#8217;ve been a Starbucks partner? A: I’m […]

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https://stories.starbucks.com/emea/stories/2021/starbucks-honours-womens-history-month/

This October, during Black History Month, Starbucks is proud to celebrate the unique stories of our partners and what this month means to them.

Q. Tell us a bit about yourself, your career, role in the business and how long you have been a partner?

A. I am Basil, I live in London, married for 33-years, and have three grown-up children.

I have been proud to be a partner for other 12-years and currently work in Finance as Credit Controller. I am also a Coffee Master, a Mental Health First Aider, and the Chair of the Starbucks EMEA Black Partner Network. Outside of work, I am also a trustee for the Hogarth Charitable Trust, a children’s charity based in Chiswick.

Q. Basil, as the chair of the Black Partner Network, please can you tell us a little more about it.

A. The EMEA Black Partner Network was established in July, it follows to some extent the best practice and legacy of our Black Partner Network in the US which was established way back in 2007.&nbsp;

The Black Partner Network aims are to encourage diversity, promote inclusion, and contribute to the success of our partners and our business. Giving partners the opportunity to act with courage, no longer be bystanders, and challenge the status quo to influence our culture through the lens of humanity.

The Black Partner Network is led by partners, for partners, and is open and available to all EMEA Support Centre Partners to join to share, learn, listen, contribute, and grow.

Q. What does Black History Month mean to you, and why is it important to celebrate the landmark?

A. Black History is a time when the African diaspora can take time out to appreciate, by celebrating the people who came before them, and what they had fought for, and the present pioneers.

It’s to recognise their contribution to humankind, that was hidden from the rest of the world by design and bring awareness to the those whom choses to be enlighten by these facts, that the enslaved was an interruption to African history.

And that this diaspora refers to the many communities of people of African descent dispersed throughout the world because of historic involuntary movements, this being the result of the Arab and Atlantic slave trade.

From a personal impact perspective, and from my own family history, it’s an opportunity for me to reflect on my Great, Great, Great-Uncle’s contribution, who died on in battlefield defending the British empire – mother country as it as was known then – 1914-1918.

A. My name is Michelle Lisette Wilson, I am mixed race, my mother is from Belize, Central America and my father is Scottish, born in Dunfermline. I have been a Store Manager in Dunfermline Kingsgate Centre for just over two-years now. I began my Starbucks career as a supervisor in 2015 and it is the best decision I have ever made. Having worked in retail from the age of 16 I have had the pleasure of working in many different workplace environments and I can safely say none have been as welcoming, enjoyable and as motivating as working for Starbucks. The team I joined, and currently work with are my second little family, who I value massively. &nbsp;Past and present partners still socialise together and when old partners pass through from time to time it is like they have never been away. So far, I have had an amazing career and I cannot wait to see what the future holds.

A. Black History Month means so much as it's an opportunity for people of colour to celebrate their culture and the accomplishments of Black people through the ages. During Black History Month articles and stories are shared through social media and on the news. Museums and Art Galleries use this month to celebrate and try to educate. The more we discuss these things the more we can affect change. My hope is that more people will begin to know how oppressed Black people were and know more about their history. That they will begin to understand what Black people have been through and continue to go through. NOW is the time for change.

Never have we had a generation where so much is accepted and normalised, publicised or advertised. People can literally do or be whatever they want, the choices and opportunities are endless. So why is it we still find ourselves fighting for basic human rights for certain cultural groups? It makes no sense to me!

As the great Anti-Racism Educator Dr Jane Elliot once said, “There's only one race, the Human Race.”

I live by that. Happy Black History Month. Respect and love always.

A. My name is Rebecca Sotomi, manager of the Drive Thru store in Belvedere, Kent. I started at Starbucks 10 years ago as a barista and have risen through the ranks to where I am today. My journey with Starbucks has been an incredible and enjoyable one. I have had the opportunity to make friends and meet people both customers and partners. I have really grown from a shy and unsure 20-something to the confident self-assured woman I am today. I owe that to Starbucks.

Being African-Nigerian growing up, I felt uncertain of my place in the world and was unsure of how I would be received. This made me quiet and observant being slow to think about what my responses should be. I did not enjoy the benefit of being able to discover myself out loud. I've been blessed to not have had to deal with any overtly discriminatory behavior, but I have been cautious in certain places where I find myself.&nbsp;

A. Black history month is so important because it highlights the plight of a race of people who were for centuries repressed and oppressed. It also highlights the strengths and capabilities of the amazing men and women who broke free from their oppression and achieved incredible feats. Lastly, Black history month is important because it is vital that we don't forget.

As George Santayana so eloquently said, “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it”.

A. My name is Longji Longhor, I am a two-and-a-half-year partner and currently work within the Accounts Payable Department. The heartbeat of the company being responsible for all outgoing payments to our suppliers.

Q. Longji, as the co-chair of the Black Partner Network, please can you tell us a little more about it.

A. I am one of two co-chairs of the Black Partner Network, created following the death of George Floyd.

Whilst the Black Partner Network was born out of an unwarted situation, I am very proud to say that we have made huge strides in a short space of time, showing we really can make the best of a bad situation.&nbsp;

A. Black History is so important for me as it is a time for us to reflect on the rich history and heritage we have.&nbsp; A lot of our history was lost during the burning of the Library of Alexandria, pillaging of the Library of Timbuktu, and with the 400 years of slavery.

However, when I think of black history and people that has really helped shape our history, I think of people such as: Mohammed Ali, Rosa Parks, Kofi Annan, Oprah Winfrey, Frederick Douglass, Lewis Hamilton, Maya Angelou, Nelson Mandela, Bob Marley, Harriet Tubman, Martin Luther King, Jr, Wole Soyinka &amp; Barack Obama to list a few.

When I think of black history, I think of the great achievements black people have done to contribute to the world we live in of recent years. I think of Barack Obama becoming the first Black president in the United States, I think of Lewis Hamilton equalling Michael Schumacher race wins and on course to becoming the most successful F1 driver in F1 history and a plethora of other achievements Black people have accomplished.

This is why Black History Month is important to me. I believe in due course the world will become a better place.

“Real Eyes, Recognise Real Lies, Imagine If We Only Saw The World Through The Innocence Of A Child’s Eyes” Josiah.

Starbucks honours Black History Month - Starbucks Stories EMEA

This October, during Black History Month, Starbucks is proud to celebrate the unique stories of our partners and what this month means to them. Q. Tell us a bit about yourself, your career, role in the business and how long you have been a partner? A. I am Basil, I live in London, married for […]

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https://stories.starbucks.com/emea/stories/2020/starbucks-honours-black-history-month/

Starbucks honours Black History Month

&nbsp;Five finalists, three rounds of heated competition, and copious amounts of coffee

This September saw five Milan Roastery partners battle it out through coffee tests challenging their skills, knowledge, and expertise – not to mention a deep passion for handcrafted coffee. Having been whittled down from 30 competitors back in July, the five finalists had everything to play for: the title of Roastery Barista Champion 2020.

Taking place in the Reserve Roastery Milano on its two-year anniversary, the annual Barista Championship format was completely redesigned to focus specifically on Starbucks Reserve Roastery partners and manual coffee craft.

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The two-day competition was the first of its kind in more ways than one, with the addition of virtual judging to overcome COVID-19 travel restrictions. Each round saw two physical judges joined by one virtual judge, all paying careful attention to taste, presentation and technique.

The five finalists were challenged to pick a Roastery-exclusive coffee of their choice to showcase across the three stages. Once chosen, they were ready and raring to go.

First up was Barista Craft, where partners created a carefully calibrated espresso in a series of expertly poured Flat Whites – cue latte art aplenty!