Monday 9 May marks the start of Mental Health Awareness Week – an opportunity to raise awareness of the importance of our mental health and wellbeing. We are delighted to be supporting the charity, Mental Health Foundation, which organised this week.

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At Starbucks, we recognise the importance of mental wellbeing in bringing our mission and values to life, inspiring and nurturing the human spirit, and how a cup of coffee can provide the perfect opportunity to connect and listen. The theme for this year’s Mental Health Awareness Week is ‘Loneliness’.

Loneliness affects millions of people every year and is a key driver of poor mental health. The global pandemic further accelerated the issue, with many people isolated from friends and family. With a focus on raising awareness and continuing to break the stigma regarding wellbeing and mental health, our green apron partners across the UK stores will be showing their support for Mental Health Awareness Week by wearing green mental health badges and accompanying in-store messaging.&nbsp;&nbsp;We recognise that overcoming loneliness and its impact on mental health cannot be achieved by the individual action of people alone, and we hope that by raising awareness we can support our partners and our communities.

Jonny Jacobs, a sponsor of the Wellbeing Blend network, which is the Partner Network focusing on supporting everyone’s wellbeing, commented “as someone who has suffered from loneliness when growing up, I am pleased that across the nation we are elevating the importance of this conversation. It is truly humbling seeing our Wellbeing Blend movement support our teams, and the stories below are testament to our inspiring partners who volunteer their time to support others.”

Now, more than ever, we know how important a sense of belonging and deep human connection is to us.&nbsp;This Mental Health Awareness Week, join us in meeting a few of our EMEA partners who share the value of our personal wellbeing!

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

“I am the senior manager for planning and S&amp;OP at Starbucks across all Ambient and Store Development items. I have been a Starbucks partner for two and a half years.

“I work with my amazing team, and I love that our job is to predict the future: working with all our markets to estimate and advise on future forecasts and liaising with the suppliers to ensure the stock is produced and available when every market and store needs it.”

Why did you get involved with Wellbeing Blend/become a Mental Health First Aider/Mental Health Ally at work, and what are you most proud of with wellbeing at Starbucks?

“Through my past experiences, I have come to realise how strong mental health can get you through almost anything. But I have also seen how fragile that strength is. Your wellbeing and your mental health are something we should take care of every day. Having someone to speak to, without any stigma, can make a huge difference and everyone deserves that chance. I am really proud of the journey we’ve been through in the past year and the fact that it feels we have broken down a barrier about open conversations on Mental Health in the organization.”

What do you do to look after your wellbeing?

“My morning routine is a key part of my wellbeing. I usually wake up 2 hours before I need to get to work. I do some reading, call my parents who live in Lebanon, do some exercise, and have a proper breakfast with my husband.”

“Sports and exercising are essential ways in which I look after my wellbeing. I love that moment when you finish exercising and feel just so relaxed and mindful (and very sweaty of course).”

Is there anyone you are inspired by in relation to your wellbeing? “I have been impressed by all the partners that have shared their stories with me as part of our journey in the Wellbeing Blend. It made me realise that wellbeing is everywhere, every day. We are surrounded by so many powerful stories, partners who have suffered hard and were able to confront their situation, get the help they needed, kept on going, and now want to share back and help others. I am just so proud of each and every one of them and feel so privileged that our paths have crossed.”

A bit about your role in the business and how long you’ve been a partner:

“I am the manager for food in EMEA and I have been a partner for nearly 3 years. Because food is decentralised, instead of developing the food products you see on shelves in our stores across we region, we as an EMEA food team set the strategic vision for food at Starbucks, whilst also inspiring and supporting our licensees in delivering that vision.”

Why did you get involved with Wellbeing Blend and what are you most proud of with wellbeing at Starbucks?

“I got involved because I fiercely believe that we need to give our mental health more airtime &amp; more respect. I am so proud of how far we have come in a short time – creating a network, celebrating Mental Health Awareness Week et cetera. However, mostly it feels as though we have shifted the dial as a business and that mental health is now spoken about way more and way more openly in our day-to-day lives at Starbucks.”

Is there anyone you are inspired by in relation to your wellbeing?

“An unusual response perhaps but my younger self – the seven-year-old me who laughed at the little things, found a bit of fun in everything – had a great balance of work and play, talking to anyone without an ounce of self-consciousness. I think if all adults lived their lives more as children live theirs, a lot of our wellbeing struggles would go away.”

Any recommendations of books, videos, movies etc. in relation to wellbeing &amp; mental health? TV?:

“Couples Therapy on BBC – a fascinating insight into relationships behind closed doors that serves as a good reminder that relationships thrive on good communication. This show is a great way to upskill yourself on how to articulate how you might be feeling.”

Book: “How to Do You by Jacqueline Hirst – she retaught me to live after anorexia and I rely on her wisdom every single day. &nbsp;Alternatively, I am currently really enjoying ‘Maybe You Should Talk to Someone' by Lori Gottlieb – a clever mix of non-fiction written in a fictional style.”

Music: “Storm in My Head by Rhys Lewis – the most beautiful lyrical description of mental health I’m yet to hear.”

Movie: “Beautiful Boy – but only if you’re feeling mentally resilient as it’s a heart-wrenching watch.”

“I joined the company in September 2002, so I am currently in my 21st year as a partner with Starbucks. In that time, I have seen many changes in how the company operates and I like to think that my team has contributed in a small way to the success that continues to see the Glasgow district as one of the companies' UK success stories.”

Why did you get involved with Wellbeing Blend/become a Mental Health First Aider/ Mental Health Ally at work, and what are you most proud of with wellbeing at Starbucks?

“I wanted to get involved in the Wellbeing Blend because I know from my own experience how important good mental health is to personal growth, in both your private and working life. As the two are so intertwined, it is my hope that by being part of this team we can create an environment within Starbucks UK, where we all are able to speak about mental health without prejudice, judgment, or embarrassment.&nbsp;

“I hope that as a group, by showing compassion and understanding for others experiencing mental health challenges, we are not just able to help in some small way, but also gain a greater understanding of the many different things, that can affect mental health.”

“What I am most proud of with wellbeing at Starbucks is the small things we have done as a store over the last 6 years in trying to create that environment. It is always ongoing, but it has made some if even a little difference to my partners' wellbeing and retention for the business over the years.”

“Take my medication, keep active by cycling to work every day come rain or shine (you get used to it and sometimes it’s even nice), the love, companionship, and responsibility of looking after Hector (my dog), my daily yoga practice (even if it’s just a stretch and a few sun salutations to get the body energised or a wee yin stretch in the evening to try and relax but just embracing the power of the breath is helpful in itself.), meditation and if all else fails, eat ice cream.”

“Ohad Naharin, an Israeli dancer/choreographer who has overcome physical injury to create a dance movement call Gaga (yes Gaga!) that relies on listening to the body, and expressing through movement, not just the highly emotionally charged work he creates (if contemporary dance is your thing), but also has for ordinary people like me (two left feet) who can’t dance a Gaga people movement where anyone from children to old men and women can participate. It has also become known for its mental health benefits and in some instances has helped people with PTSD. Live classes are few and far between here in the UK, but you can participate online. I have been lucky enough to have participated in both. If you are curious, watch the documentary/film 'Mr. Gaga'. If you do, I hope it inspires you too.”

A bit about your role in the business and how long you’ve been a partner.

“I have been a store manager for 15 years with Starbucks. I have worked in a lot of different stores and had the opportunity to help open Starbucks in a few countries.”

“I got involved with the mental health ally program because the wellbeing of my partners and peers is really important to me, looking after each other’s wellbeing should be the number one priority in a business or society and I believe if we make this a priority we grow and become a better company but also better humans.”

“We will only ever succeed if we put people first in everything we do and I think by looking after each other’s mental health we are doing just that!”

“I have started to put myself first more often and speaking up when I feel overwhelmed. I really don’t like letting people down or not showing up, but for many years I confused that with me doing everything for everyone and never saying no. I still struggle with this, but I am becoming so much better at telling people I have enough on.”

“But the most important thing is to actually talk about how I feel, years ago, I would never have spoken about anxiety, but now I do, and it takes away so much of the pressure – I hope it also takes away the stigma around it if we all speak up.”

Any recommendations of books, videos, movies etc. in relation to wellbeing &amp; mental health?

“Mental health-wise, the book that really had a fundamental impact on me is Midnight Library by Matt Haig. It really made me question the way I think in a very healthy way, and I recommend it to everyone, it makes you really start appreciating what you have and stop regretting choices you might have previously. I also recommend his other book The Comfort Book.”

Strengthening your Mental Wellbeing: Starbucks partners share why it is important to focus on our mental and emotional health - Starbucks Stories EMEA

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Starbucks Stories EMEA

Strengthening your Mental Wellbeing: Starbucks partners share why it is important to focus on our mental and emotional health

Monday 9 May marks the start of Mental Health Awareness Week – an opportunity to raise awareness of the importance of our mental health and wellbeing. We are delighted to be supporting the charity, Mental Health Foundation, which organised this week. At Starbucks, we recognise the importance of mental wellbeing in bringing our mission and […]

https://stories.starbucks.com/uploads/sites/17/2022/04/wellbeing-blend-header-1024x533.png

https://stories.starbucks.com/emea/stories/2022/strengthening-your-mental-wellbeing/

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Updated 29 September 2022

The Starbucks Foundation has a 25-year history of investing in communities across the U.S. and globally. In March 2022, The Starbucks Foundation <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/press/2022/the-starbucks-foundation-launches-global-community-impact-grants-initiative/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">announced</a> a $30 million investment by 2030 in its Global Community Impact Grants portfolio designed to drive locally relevant impact in the communities where Starbucks operates around the world.

In the inaugural year of the <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/emea/stories/2022/supporting-youth-empowerment-hunger-relief-and-refugees-in-emea/">Global Community Impact Grants</a> program, The Starbucks Foundation awarded grants to nearly 90 nonprofits, all of which were nominated by Starbucks international licensees and will reach communities in more than 40 markets. Between grants and co-investment from international licensees, over $3.2 million was awarded in 2022 for causes aligned to The Starbucks Foundation’s community impact goals, including youth empowerment, inclusion &amp; diversity, social services, hunger relief, economic opportunity, and coffee-, tea- and cocoa growing communities.

In the Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) region, The Starbucks Foundation awarded 33 grants across 19 markets for causes ranging from youth empowerment and hunger relief to economic mobility &amp; opportunity, including for refugees. Grants were awarded in Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Kuwait, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Spain, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, and United Kingdom.

<a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/global-community-impact-grants/">Learn more</a> about the program and organizations we are supporting in EMEA and across the globe.

Supporting Youth Empowerment, Hunger Relief and Refugees in Europe, Middle East and Africa - Starbucks Stories EMEA

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Supporting Youth Empowerment, Hunger Relief and Refugees in Europe, Middle East and Africa

Updated 29 September 2022 The Starbucks Foundation has a 25-year history of investing in communities across the U.S. and globally. In March 2022, The Starbucks Foundation announced a $30 million investment by 2030 in its Global Community Impact Grants portfolio designed to drive locally relevant impact in the communities where Starbucks operates around the world. In the […]

https://stories.starbucks.com/emea/stories/2022/supporting-youth-empowerment-hunger-relief-and-refugees-in-emea/

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.

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.

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

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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/

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

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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

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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 […]

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

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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, […]

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

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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!

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

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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 […]

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

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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 […]

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

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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 […]

https://stories.starbucks.com/uploads/sites/17/2021/06/WRD-Starbucks-Stories-Header-June-2021-1024x533.png

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.

Behind the Green Apron