WHO WE ARE

My Favorite Cup

Caffé Verona - I joined Starbucks 20 years ago and as a barista while completing my passport it was the first coffee I could smell, locate, and describe. It solidified my journey ahead and how coffee is so much more then coffee, it brings people together, Verona is known for being the coffee of love.

 

My Why

My "Why" has everything to do with family and community! I want everyone to feel as if they belong and see themselves at every table and we make tables bigger together. My purpose is to be free, inspire others and build connections.

 

My Guilty Pleasure

Binge watching tv, while eating chips and salsa

 

To Fill My Cup

Date night with my wife, spending time with family/friends playing games and laughing, listening to my boys tell stories, community service and let’s face it a good massage never hurt!

My Favorite Cup

Espresso Roast - I love the balance of bold and sweet. Just like our company, it represents a legacy of bold moves and belonging for everyone. Our cafés are filled with its aroma as a reminder of what we stand for. Espresso was my first sip as a brand-new partner – a welcome home. I like to brew and enjoy this coffee from a French press with something chocolate.

 

My Why

To create space for anyone and everyone to show up as their authentic selves. From big events like pride to one on one connects, my purpose is to create an environment of curiosity, creativity, and courageousness.

 

My Guilty Pleasure

Deep dish pizza delivery and watching reality tv, probably Drag Race or Housewives

 

To Fill My Cup

I fill my cup by disconnecting for a long weekend in the desert by the pool, with a margarita, yes!

My Favorite Cup

Siren’s Blend is my favorite coffee. When I started Starbucks, it was fun trying the different blends and I enjoy learning about them. I love how this blend honors the innovations of women “from barista to farmer”. I often will select this blend when I have time to sit and enjoy a big cup of coffee in a favorite mug.

 

My Why

My why started with having conversations with my daughter and helping her understand how important it is to accept and support others for who they are but also standing with them as an Ally. My journey has continued into my stores and with my partners. I want them to know they can come as their authentic selves and always have a safe place to share their feelings. Joining the Pride Board has made me feel even more connected with my partners and community.

 

My Guilty Pleasure

Going to the Beach or the Mountains and relaxing – coffee to start the day and wine to end the day. It’s nice to slow down and just sit in the moment and enjoy. Love to bake and make homemade pizzas!

 

To Fill My Cup

Spending time with my family! I love being involved with Hailey’s racing and bowling. We watch movies and play games – little competition gets us going!

My Favorite Cup

Guatemala is my favorite coffee. To me it is me perfect cup. A little nutty, a little coco, just perfect.

 

 

My Why

I am part of the Pride Network and Board because I of the Pride community. I know that working for a company that acknowledges our difference is something truly special. I want to be able to show partners what Pride has to offer them and how we can be more involved in the community. We are all Pride.

 

 

To Fill My Cup

Sports is a huge passion of mine. GO Lakers! GO Dodgers! I love spending time with my wife Rachelle, who I met at Starbucks, my dog Benson and cat Raven. We love going to the beach, watching tv, and hiking.

My Favorite Cup

Caffé Verona is my favorite coffee roast. Before I joined Starbucks last year, my coffee experience was limited to medium roasts, specifically drinking Pike as a customer. During my very first day of Barista training, my Barista trainer introduced me to Verona during our first coffee tasting together. This was the beginning of my dark roast journey, as I had just started to discover a whole new world of coffee! I immediately fell in love with Verona, because of its subtle sweetness and smooth body. Due to the memorable experiences, I created during my barista training, Verona will always hold a special place in my heart.

 

 

My Why

My why is to use my voice, along with my own personal journey as a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, to help others feel seen, and have a space to be their authentic selves.

 

 

My Guilty Pleasure

Guilty Pleasure Salty snacks! Popcorn and potato chips are my weakness!

 

 

To Fill My Cup

To fill my cup spending time outside, either in the park or near the ocean. Long walks and adventures with my pup Joey. Meditation is a big part of my daily self-care routine. Massages are also definitely a great idea!

My Favorite Cup

My favorite coffee is Yukon Blend. My partner was never a fan of brewed coffee as he always thought it was too strong, especially Starbucks coffee. I introduced him to many of our coffees I our core line up and this is the one that we both enjoyed having. This is a staple in our household, and we sit down to enjoy it almost every weekend.

 

My Why

My why is for my family around me, my mom, my grandma, and my partner. My mom and grandma are strong figures that have always shows resiliency and strength. They were always trying to make sure that we always what we needed and that we felt important. My partner has pushed me to do better and challenges me to be the best version of myself, he is my rock.

 

My Guilty Pleasure

I enjoyed watching tv, having a glass of wine, playing video games, and being with our 5 dogs

 

To Fill My Cup

I like to spend time with my partner and finding new things to do. We try to explore going to breweries and hanging out with friends and finding new adventures. Recently we tried Top Golf, and we enjoyed it. Music is important in my life, and whenever I have a chance to go to a music festival, or concert I’m there.

My Favorite Cup

My Favorite Coffee when I first started was Ethiopian Sidamo then transferred to Kenya. So generally, coffees from Africa are my jam. Mostly Reserves and I love Tribute. My family did not really have coffee traditions other then they drank a lot of Folgers. So, I was a very coffee novice when I joined Starbucks. Sidamo was the first coffee I really pulled out notes and aromas from. It was my go-to tasting when we did tastings for everything. I pull those stories forward when I share Sirens Blend or promo coffees like Tribute now.

 

My Why

Starbucks has given me so many amazing relationships many of my chosen family come from Starbucks. I know how important community can be and I want all partners to have access to a community and chosen family that will uplift and support them.

 

My Guilty Pleasure

Real Housewives, comics, and Pokémon

 

To Fill My Cup

Dinner parties / game nights with my family and friends. Play time with my dog.

My Why

Creating community, being kind, being present and advocating for human, animal, & environmental justice is what fills my cup. The human experience can be hard and if I can make any 1 beings’ life slightly better then I’m living my purpose. My why for Pride is to pay forward the safety in community I have received as a queer person. We really are Stronger Together.

 

My Guilty Pleasure

Binge watching the latest trendy drama show, and every episode ever of US Rupaul’s Drag Race. Literally all snacks are my weakness. I love cookies, chips, ice cream, yummy & delicious meals. Life is short, do what you enjoy!

 

To Fill My Cup

Spa treatments. A pampering routine helps me recharge.