Between April 24 and May 8, 250,000 Starbucks partners at 10,000 stores in North America are meeting during two-hour sessions to focus on the art of connection and reflecting on Starbucks’ new mission.

Between April 24 and May 8, 250,000 Starbucks partners at 10,000 stores in North America will participate in gatherings focused on connecting partners to each other, customers and coffee heritage.

Starbucks announced a series of partner investments this week. Here’s what partners had to say.