Starbucks Recognized for Commitment to LGBTQ+ Equality in Chile

Company earns top marks in Human Rights Campaign Foundation Equidad CL annual report; builds on initiatives to promote inclusion in the workplace

Santiago, Chile – Starbucks Chile, operated by Alsea in the market, has been recognized by Human Rights Campaign Foundation (HRC), via their Equidad CL certification, for its commitment to equality by adopting crucial LGBTQ+-inclusive policies and practices for its partners (employees). The company was included in the fourth annual HRC Equidad CL: Global Workplace Equality Program report, which evaluates equality and LGBTQ+ inclusion in the workplace among employers in Chile. The recognition reinforces Starbucks Chile’s goal to create a more inclusive and diverse environment for its partners as a long-term ally and advocate of the LGBTQ+ community.

Inspired by the HRC’s annual Corporate Equality Index and launched in 2019, the Chilean-based HRC Equidad CL report is the product of a collaboration between HRC,  Fundación Iguales and Pride Connection. Today, the report is now a leading benchmark across South America, with 57 businesses, including Starbucks, earning high scores. Companies are evaluated on their adoption of nondiscrimination policies; creation of employee resource groups or diversity and inclusion councils; and engagement in public activities to support LGBTQ+ inclusion.

“As a company that embraces diversity and inclusion, we are proud of the hard work behind this recognition that is positively impacting the daily lives of our partners and their families. We will continue to advocate for these values and create a company and culture where everyone can be themselves and is treated with respect and dignity,” said Claudia Aburto, Starbucks South Cone Brand Manager. "It is encouraging to see the number of businesses championing these efforts to promote best employment policies and practices for the LGBTQ+ workforce in Chile.”

Promoting a Culture of Inclusion

Since the opening of the first store in Santiago in 2003, Starbucks Chile has set out to be a different kind of company: one that champions our Mission and Values and is rooted in providing a Third Place that is welcoming to everyone. To live out this principle, Starbucks Chile is committed to using its scale for good by supporting partners, customers, and the communities it serves across the region through its Diversity and Gender Equity Agenda to drive meaningful impact:

• Training Programs – Starbucks has initiated a series of training programs every month and open dialogues every two weeks with partners to foster a collaborative work environment. “Starbucks Chile’s comprehensive training program for our partners equips them with skills and tools needed to thrive in diverse teams while educating partners about matters of discrimination in the workplace,” shared María José Ugalde, Human Resources Manager of Starbucks Chile.
• Gender-neutral Bathrooms – Working in partnership with Chilean advocacy group, Pride Connection, the Company implemented gender-neutral restroom signage in all its stores to create greater inclusion.
• Ads For Good – A traveling exhibition of creative pieces made by advertising students from Chile, Argentina and Uruguay, Starbucks Ads for Good program invites community members to reflect on inclusion and diversity topics, addressing them as a relevant social challenge for the community. "With Ads for Good, we are sending an open call to university students to suggest important themes to our LGBTQ+ community through their creative eye. We are very proud to have been able to convene these creative students and, this year, we will see their work in 15 pieces that will be exhibited in different Starbucks stores across the market,” said Soledad Fantuzzi, Marketing Manager of Starbucks South Cone.
• Fundación Selenna Partnership – In an alliance with Fundación Selenna – Chile’s only school for transgender students – Starbucks launched the "Academy of the Future" program whereby Starbucks Chile partners (employees) volunteer to engage with future college graduates around career exploration and financial independence. In addition, through a Global Community Impact Grant from The Starbucks Foundation, Fundación Selenna is working to provide 250 transgender youth with training, resources and a welcoming space for positive engagement and inclusive communities.

To learn more about Starbucks Chile’s inclusion and diversity commitments, go https://www.starbucks.cl/.