Laxman Narasimhan hosts his first Annual Meeting of Shareholders

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On his fourth day as Starbucks chief executive officer, Laxman Narasimhan hosted the company’s 31st Annual Meeting of Shareholders virtually. Together with the Starbucks Board of Directors, leadership team and green apron partners (employees) from around the world, Narasimhan shared what he learned throughout his immersion journey, including what it means to wear the green apron. And, importantly, he also also shared how these immersion observations will shape the future of Starbucks.&nbsp;

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New ceo shares vision for a ‘limitless’ Starbucks 

Narasimhan shared his bold vision for the refounding of Starbucks, which he reiterated in a <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/press/2023/laxman-letter-to-partners-with-gratitude-and-optimism/">letter shared directly with partners</a> to mark the occasion.&nbsp;

“We have limitless potential, but we need to address what limits us,” said Narasimhan. “Our performance is strong, but our health needs to be stronger. We strive to be a different kind of company, and that is unchanged. But we now operate in a different kind of world.”

Leaders define what limitless means to them&nbsp;

Throughout Narasimhan’s immersion, he worked closely with the leadership team to define the limitless opportunities ahead for Starbucks. 

Starbucks leadership emphasized the importance of the company using its scale for good, being open-minded to new ways of doing business, continuing to innovate the partner experience and uplifting communities around the world.&nbsp;

Starbucks shared that with the reinvention plan underway comes a continued investment in partner wages and store operations, and leadership will continue to directly engage with retail partners for guidance. Narasimhan shared that to keep closely connected to the culture and customers, as well as the challenges and opportunities within retail stores, he plans to work in stores for a half day each month and expects his leadership team will stay closely connected to the frontline experience as well. “This is just the beginning,” he said.

Starbucks announced over $1 billion in investments in the overall partner experience. That's shown up with the introduction of new benefits and with increases in pay.

From the beginning, Starbucks has always believed the partner experience is foundational to the success of the company. This past fiscal year alone Starbucks invested more than $1 billion in wages and training, bringing the average hourly pay at Starbucks to nearly $17.50/hour nationally and with a range of $15-23/hour. Factoring in the value of Starbucks benefits – rated number one by Aon – that number can rise to up to $10 (making it nearly $27.50/hour), if our partners participate in all of our benefits. In addition, as a part of the reinvention plan, Starbucks recently completed the rollout of credit/debit tipping across all eligible stores, giving customers more ways to show their appreciation to partners.&nbsp;

Partner benefit enhancements mentioned in the last year include the renewal of the <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/stories/2022/the-coveted-starbucks-coffee-master-black-aprons-return/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Coffee Masters program</a> and the <a href="https://coffeeexperiences.starbucks.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Origin Experience</a> to deepen partners’ connection to coffee.&nbsp;

Human connection remains core to Starbucks&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

In his letter today, Narasimhan wrote, “Through my immersion, Howard, the leadership team and I have spent a significant amount of time discussing the universal need for human connection – something Starbucks is uniquely positioned to deliver – in a world full of isolation, loneliness and social exclusion. Together, we have acknowledged the opportunity for a refounding of Starbucks – to nurture the limitless possibilities for our partners, our customers, our communities, our farmers, our earth, and our shareholders by prioritizing human connection over every cup of coffee."

Scenic view of sunrise over Hacienda Alsacia coffee farm

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Laxman Narasimhan hosts his first Annual Meeting of Shareholders.

Top takeaways from Starbucks 2023 Annual Meeting of Shareholders

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Photos by Taylor Kelliher, Joshua Trujillo, Connor Surdi

Laxman Narasimhan took the helm of Starbucks as the <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/press/2023/laxman-narasimhan-assumes-role-of-starbucks-chief-executive-officer/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">new chief executive officer</a> on Monday, but before that, he spent almost six months being mentored by Howard Schultz, meeting with hundreds of partners (employees) around the world, earning his barista certification, and diving into the world of coffee. As Starbucks welcomes Narasimhan to his new role as ceo at today’s Annual Meeting of Shareholders, we take a look back at the people he has met across the company and around the world.&nbsp;

“It’s been a remarkable experience for me – from our origins, where we buy coffee from over a half a million farmers, through our roasting plans, our distribution centers, and into our stores,” Narasimhan said. “This immersion has been an incredible journey and a gift.”&nbsp;

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Narasimhan was welcomed as incoming chief executive officer of Starbucks with a coffee tasting in the place where it all began – at <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/stories/2015/store-tour-inside-1912-pike-place-seattle-usa/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Seattle’s Pike Place market store</a>. Soon after, he met&nbsp; Starbucks partners <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/stories/2022/incoming-starbucks-ceo-meets-partners-at-open-forum-shares-personal-journey/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">at his first open forum</a> on Sept. 8, 2022, three weeks before he officially joined the company Oct. 1. When Schultz, then interim chief executive officer, introduced Narasimhan to partners, he said that “the leader of Starbucks, the future of the company, must be steeped in humility and must have an innate understanding of humanity.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

Schultz said as he got to know Narasimhan, he said he was stuck by his experience and leadership qualities. “I know we're going to be in great hands and I can promise you he is going to make us a better company.”&nbsp;

Listening and learning&nbsp;

Narasimhan worked with Schultz to create a unique immersion to learn about the Starbucks culture and the business.&nbsp;

“This time with Howard in stores, in the roasting plants, with partners, with investors, with customers – it's an incredible opportunity for me to be learning from one of the best entrepreneurs in the world,” Narasimhan said.&nbsp;

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Narasimhan began immersion as incoming ceo by earning his barista certification with four weeks of in-store training and visits to more than 30 stores around the world – working the drive-thru window, learning the point-of-sale system and perfecting the topping of a Pumpkin Spice Latte.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“I thought it was very important for me to put myself in the shoes of the partners and really understand what they do and how they do it,” Narasimhan said. “There were things I learned through experience in all of this. It taught me a lot.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

Alli Mendoza, a barista in Houston, was one of the partners who trained Narasimhan on the espresso bar. “People ask me what it’s like to train the ceo, like ‘Really, how was it?’” Mendoza said. “He loved interacting with people, he loves laughing and making people laugh. He just wants to learn and be a ceo who’s there for us.”&nbsp;

Coffee &amp; connection&nbsp;

In his visits to Starbucks stores, Narasimhan sat down with store managers, district managers and regional directors for their input and guidance. He said, “One piece of advice I hope to really live by was actually a question I was asked by a terrific store manager: ‘Did you earn your green apron today?’ It really got me reflective and thinking about how I could end each day in the future with that question, and hope that most days, the answer would be ‘yes.’”&nbsp;

The world of coffee&nbsp;

Narasimhan experienced the journey of Starbucks coffee from the first 10 feet to the last, starting from the fields where coffee is grown (such as Hacienda Alsacia above), to roasting plants in the United States and Europe, and Starbucks stores in London, Amsterdam, Japan, and the United States. Along the way, Narasimhan sipped countless cups of coffee. His favorite? Coffee from Guatemala.&nbsp;

Embracing innovation&nbsp;

Whether it’s hand-delivering a new cold foam blender to baristas in Seattle or testing out the virtual reality training for the new Clover Vertica™ in Minneapolis, Narasimhan has taken a hands-on approach to <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/stories/2022/recipe-for-reinvention-starbucks-unveils-innovations-for-better-customer-barista-experiences/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">new technologies to help create a better store experience</a> for partners and customers.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Celebrating with partners is one of the best part parts of the ceo job at Starbucks. In November, he attended his first <a href="https://historias.starbucks.com/en-es/press/2022/starbucks-green-apron-partners-showcase-their-coffee-craft-and-skill-at-the-latin-america-and-caribbean-barista-championship/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Barista Championship</a> at Hacienda Alsacia recognizing Starbucks coffee craft and expertise. In December, Narasimhan traveled to Arizona State University to honor the 850 Starbucks partners in the Fall 2022 graduating class who earned bachelor’s degrees through Arizona State University with the <a href="https://www.starbucks.com/careers/working-at-starbucks/education/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Starbucks College Achievement Plan</a>. In February, he spent time with partners in the Milan Roastery for the debut of <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/starbucks-oleato-olive-oil-meets-coffee" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Starbucks Oleato</a> beverages.&nbsp;

“On a very personal level, I’m going to be very connected to our partners and to our customers in the experience that we deliver – human connection,” Narasimhan said. 

Annual Meeting of Shareholders

Narasimhan led his first Starbucks Annual Meeting of Shareholders, in Seattle, on March 23, joined by board chair Mellody Hobson (right) and the Starbucks senior leadership team, including Zabrina Jenkins (left) and AJ Jones II (second from left). &nbsp;

“These past six months have enabled me to listen, to learn, and to think about what the future of Starbucks looks like and what we need to do to get there,” Narasimhan said. “As the new ceo&nbsp;of Starbucks, I am confident that I know our business and our people well, but I will continue to learn and I'm excited to continue earning my green apron every day.”&nbsp;

As Starbucks welcomes Narasimhan to his new role as ceo at the Starbucks Annual Meeting of Shareholders, we take a look back at the people he has met across the company and around the world.

Laxman Narasimhan’s immersive training – from Starbucks barista to ceo

Photos: Laxman Narasimhan’s immersive training – from Starbucks barista to ceo

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Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) is a region that has always been close to Starbucks heart and key to the brand’s growth. Since 1971, Starbucks has purchased coffee from local farmers and today, half of the company’s coffee is sourced from coffee farmers in LAC.

And now, 20 years since opening its first stores in Mexico and Puerto Rico, Starbucks is more committed than ever to investing in thriving communities across the region – including in a <a href="https://historias.starbucks.com/en-es/press/2023/starbucks-accelerates-growth-with-more-than-100-new-stores-planned-for-latin-america-and-the-caribbean-by-the-end-of-2023-announces-market-entry-into-guyana/">new market: Guyana</a>.&nbsp;

Starbucks recently surpassed its <a href="https://historias.starbucks.com/en-es/press/2023/starbucks-opens-first-drive-thru-store-in-dominican-republic-with-expansion-to-punta-cana/">1,600th store milestone in the region</a> and expects to open approximately 120 more stores by the end of 2023, continuing to meet the needs of local customers in the communities it serves.

Every day Starbucks works towards creating unique experiences that reflect the values and history of the local community. Part of that, of course, comes from Starbucks stores, where customers can enjoy their favorite hot or cold espresso-based beverages in a comfortable and welcoming environment.

As the company opens more stores in new cities, the focus will remain on meeting our customers’ needs, emphasizing on-the-go lifestyles and growth in new drive-thru stores. Since early 2022, Starbucks has opened nearly 50 drive thrus regionally, including five first-in-market drive-thru stores.&nbsp;

The first, located in Cali, <a href="https://historias.starbucks.com/en-es/press/2022/starbucks-surpasses-50-stores-in-colombia-opens-its-first-drive-thru/">Colombia</a>, features a mural inspired by the city and its people, depicting the local music (salsa) and dance traditions. In <a href="https://historias.starbucks.com/en-es/press/2022/starbucks-opens-first-drive-thru-store-in-barbados/">Barbados</a>, the building that houses Starbucks El Sueño drive-thru was once a lighthouse that dates back to 1910 and is located close to Worthing Beach. The stores in <a href="https://historias.starbucks.com/en-es/press/2022/starbucks-expands-store-portfolio-in-the-bahamas-unveils-its-first-drive-thru/">The Bahamas</a> and <a href="https://historias.starbucks.com/en-es/press/2022/starbucks-opens-first-drive-thru-store-in-jamaica/">Jamaica</a> are specially designed to provide a unique, on-the-go experience, featuring beautiful designs and murals that create inviting atmospheres for customers who come and wish to stay awhile. The newest store in Punta Cana, <a href="https://historias.starbucks.com/es/press/2023/starbucks-abre-su-primera-tienda-drive-thru-en-republica-dominicana-con-expansion-en-punta-cana/">Dominican Republic</a> pays homage to the popular destination, also known as the “Jewel of the Caribbean”, combining high-quality Arabica coffee and a comfortable, relaxing atmosphere inspired by the local culture.

Additionally, and in keeping with the theme of customer convenience, Starbucks opened a small-format location in <a href="https://historias.starbucks.com/en-es/press/2022/starbucks-barbados-expands-its-store-portfolio-with-the-unveiling-of-a-new-kiosk-in-holetown/">Barbados</a>, where customers can purchase their favorite Starbucks menu items while visiting Barbados’ renowned platinum coast. In Punta del Este, <a href="https://historias.starbucks.com/en-es/press/2022/starbucks-opens-first-store-in-punta-del-este/">Uruguay</a>, customers can visit the beautiful Starbucks store that features walk-up windows, located within walking distance of the popular Brava Beach.

Starbucks is also committed to growing in LAC through a commitment to building a more equitable, resilient and sustainable future. The company strives to give more than it takes from the planet and to cut water, waste, and carbon footprints by 50% by 2030. To achieve this goal and become a truly resource positive company, Starbucks&nbsp;opened its first&nbsp;Greener Store&nbsp;in the region, located in&nbsp;<a href="https://nam12.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fhistorias.starbucks.com%2Fen-es%2Fpress%2F2022%2Fstarbucks-first-greener-store-in-latin-america-certified-in-chile%2F&amp;data=05%7C01%7CMariana.Flores%40edelman.com%7C8d98af8484c44b0c5e8d08db137d1a51%7Cb824bfb3918e43c2bb1cdcc1ba40a82b%7C0%7C0%7C638125200295974942%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=mIQA4b0kl6N7A8Rz7dm%2FZQsSRIG2oICsfu8PoszkRqY%3D&amp;reserved=0">Chile,&nbsp;</a>designed to use 50% less water and produce 20% less carbon.

This is only the first of many Greener Stores to come, as Starbucks aspires to build all new stores in Latin America and the Caribbean under the Greener Stores framework by the end of 2023 and moving forward.

Finally, at Starbucks, coffee is a means of connection. This is why it is of utmost importance to honor the traditions of LAC communities with programs that support local coffee farmers and stores that celebrate local art, architecture, and history.

Such is the case with Starbucks first store in <a href="https://historias.starbucks.com/en-es/press/2022/starbucks-celebrates-1500th-store-milestone-in-latin-america-unveils-first-cafe-in-antigua-guatemala/">Antigua</a>, Guatemala that was opened as Starbucks&nbsp;1,500th store in LAC. This already iconic store was <a href="https://historias.starbucks.com/en-es/stories/2022/top-5-things-to-see-at-starbucks-new-store-in-antigua-guatemala/">designed in partnership with local artists and artisans</a> to capture the artistic, warm and colorful spirit of this historic city.

In addition to highlighting the beauty of the amazingly restored building, the store features artwork ranging from murals to woodwork and impressive tapestries. The store also includes a magnificent patio where customers can enjoy their favorite beverages al fresco.

Elsewhere, the Teatro Nacional, an incredible French-style building in the heart of El Salvador’s capital, houses one of Starbucks most magical stores. With a classic look and one-of-a-kind ceiling mural styled after the original art of the building, this store is worth a visit.&nbsp;

Another stunning architectural gem is <a href="https://historias.starbucks.com/en-es/stories/2022/starbucks-20-anniversary-latam-stores/">Bolivia’s Café 24 store</a>. Once the former residence of one Santa Cruz’s most important citizens, Melchor Pinto, a prominent local doctor and activist, this unique building has been restored to its historic, colonial style, preserving the original wood and hand-made cement tile floors.

With stores in every corner of the region, Starbucks is highlighting the beauty and history of the outstanding local community and proudly participating in a rich coffee heritage.

Because Starbucks is all about connection. This means bringing the coffee experience the company is known for to people near and far, providing consistent, personalized moments and &nbsp;building on a history of sustainability in the region.

Find out more about how we’re growing and elevating the Starbucks Experience in the region on the <a href="https://historias.starbucks.com/en-es/">Historias Starbucks site</a>.

https://historias.starbucks.com/en-es/stories/noticias/

From Greener Stores to Inspiring Design: How Starbucks is Growing in Latin America - Historias-en

From Greener Stores to Inspiring Design: How Starbucks is Growing in Latin America

Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) is a region that has always been close to Starbucks heart and key to the brand’s growth. Since 1971, Starbucks has purchased coffee from local farmers and today, half of the company’s coffee is sourced from coffee farmers in LAC. And now, 20 years since opening its first stores […]

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https://historias.starbucks.com/en-es/stories/2023/from-greener-stores-to-inspiring-design-how-starbucks-is-growing-in-latin-america/

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At the Costa Rica Farmer Support Center, Starbucks research and development agronomist Sara Bogantes is fighting for the future of coffee

On a recent morning at Hacienda Alsacia, <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/stories/2018/starbucks-farm-research-and-innovation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Starbucks coffee and research farm in Costa Rica</a>, agronomist Sara Bogantes walks through the outdoor plant nursery, studying the rows of coffee plants at various stages of growth – from three months old and just sprouting to three years old and about to burst into first harvest.&nbsp;&nbsp;

To help cultivate and develop the next generation of coffee plants. To find those hybrids and varietals that have the elusive combination of good taste, high productivity and natural resistance to disease and climate change. And every day, with science, to fight for the future of coffee.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“I’m a fourth-generation coffee farmer, coffee is in my blood,” Bogantes says. “I love the connection with the farmers, but at the same time, I love making this connection through new tools, new varieties, new solutions.”&nbsp;

Bogantes works at the Costa Rica Farmer Support Center, one of <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/press/2018/starbucks-farmer-support-centers/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">10 that Starbucks has opened around the world</a>. There, she manages the “core collection” – 617 different coffee hybrids and varietals, available for free to any coffee farmer through the Starbucks open-source agronomy program.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Currently, about 3 million coffee seeds per year are distributed from the core collection to farmers in Peru, Colombia, Mexico, Guatemala and Costa Rica – whether they sell to Starbucks or not.&nbsp;&nbsp;

About 230 hybrids in the core collection are being newly evaluated. Bogantes is part of a research and development team trying to help find the strongest and best among them.&nbsp;&nbsp;

They send leaf clippings for analysis to a laboratory in Sweden, to get early genetic clues about which are more resistant to coffee rust and anthracnose, fungal diseases that kill coffee plants. They run tests to see how the plants process and absorb nutrients, physically examine root systems and leaf structures, and taste early samples from those producing coffee cherries.&nbsp;&nbsp;

After the team identifies those that show the most promise, Bogantes works with labs on making micro-cuttings and tissue cultures, techniques which can speed up propagation and distribution. Stronger plants in the ground, faster, means more income for farmers.&nbsp;&nbsp;

She also works closely with Carlos Mario Rodriguez, Starbucks head of global research and development, as part of the overall Farmer Support Center mission to directly train farmers and set up model farms based on <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/press/2020/cafe-practices-starbucks-approach-to-ethically-sourcing-coffee/">C.A.F.E. practices</a> around ethical sourcing and sustainability, where all this knowledge can be practically disseminated, and farmers can see for themselves how to create optimal conditions on their own farms.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“She's very good with teaching farmers, guiding them, because of the experience that she has,” Rodriguez says. “Having a young woman supporting and interacting with farmers is very important, and also is encouraging many young people to just keep working in coffee.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

Bogantes, 35, grew up on her family’s coffee farm in nearby San Isidro de Alajuela. She was deeply impacted when an epidemic of coffee rust, in 2014, killed off almost all her family’s coffee trees. She was in the U.S. at the time, working at an internship, when she received the urgent phone call.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“I remember the weather was very cloudy. The day was so dark. It’s raining, cold,” she says, recalling the day she arrived back home. “And when I went to the coffee plantation, I remember looking at all the coffee trees, completely destroyed.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“You need to control your emotions because your parents are completely destroyed, and you need to give them support. You are feeling completely destroyed too, inside, but you need to be optimistic because you need to be the person to be the light.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

That, and a similar moment several years later in Puerto Rico, after she saw how Hurricanes Maria and Irma almost wiped out the country’s coffee industry, have underscored for Bogantes the urgency of researching and finding solutions. It’s been a theme her entire life, from her early internships in Brazil and the U.S. to her more recent work with nonprofits like World Coffee Research and TechnoServe. She joined Starbucks two years ago.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“Nothing makes me feel happier than seeing the faces of the coffee producers smile, transmitting hope and supporting them in believing that there is a future in coffee,” Bogantes says. “I feel like I’m living my dreams, but if we want to ensure coffee for the next 50 years, we don’t have that much time. This is my challenge right now.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

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Meet the women leading in coffee around the globe

From coffee farms to coffee stores, and lots of points in between, we're spotlighting 12 women at Starbucks who are crucial to the coffee business – baristas, store managers, business directors, agronomists, roasters, leaders in sustainability and ethical sourcing, and more.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

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At the Costa Rica Farmer Support Center, Starbucks research and development agronomist Sara Bogantes is fighting for the future of coffee.

On International Women's Day, Starbucks celebrates the women leading the way in the coffee business

On International Women’s Day, Starbucks celebrates the women leading the way in the coffee business

https://historias.starbucks.com/en-es/stories/2023/on-international-womens-day-starbucks-celebrates-the-women-leading-the-way-in-the-coffee-business/

BUSTAMANTE, Costa Rica – For Kattya Hidalgo, the chickens came first. Then the eggs. It’s not clear which bring her more joy.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Hidalgo, 46, is part of a cohort of women farmers who work with <a href="https://www.beanvoyage.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bean Voyage</a>, a Costa Rican nonprofit supported in part by The Starbucks Foundation, that empowers smallholder women coffee farmers with training in farming techniques, climate change, business fundamentals, financial literacy and project management.&nbsp;&nbsp;

After they finish a year-long curriculum, they can apply for seed money to start income-diversification projects.&nbsp;

With $300 last year, Hidalgo bought eight chickens and built a coop.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“Hens caught my attention the most because here at home, we rarely eat meat. We prefer to eat eggs,” Hidalgo says. “But eggs are very expensive. We would limit ourselves to one egg a day. If you had eggs for lunch, you had no right to eat eggs at night.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“I can’t explain to you the joy of seeing the first eggs, seeing my children – ‘Mommy, eggs!’ – eating eggs produced by me.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

Since March 2022, <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/stories/the-starbucks-foundation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Starbucks Foundation</a> has awarded 10 grants totaling nearly $3 million to nonprofits working with women in coffee and tea-growing communities across seven countries, including Bean Voyage. This announcement, on International Women’s Day, is part of the Foundation’s continuing <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">goal to positively impact 1 million women and girls in “origin communities” by 2030</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

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“We’re proud to work with nonprofits to reach women in coffee and tea-growing communities like Kattya,” says Alicia Vermaele, executive director of The Starbucks Foundation. “Through our Origin Grants, we’re helping to create opportunities and promote more equitable access to resources that enable women to improve their lives and livelihoods. We know that when we invest in a woman, we uplift not only that woman, but also her family and her community – leading to a brighter future for all.” 

With these grants, The Starbucks Foundation expects to reach an additional 60,000 women and girls over the next three years.&nbsp;

In January, Sunghee Tark, co-founder and CEO of Bean Voyage, visited Hidalgo’s farm to check in on her and her hen project. Tark started the nonprofit in 2016 with her friend, Abhinav Khanal, after they graduated from college, in response to the millions of “invisible” women who work on coffee farms around the world. They chose the name Bean Voyage to help women coffee producers “feel like they’re traveling the world through their coffee,” Tark says.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“Because of how the coffee industry has been structured, and then the cultural elements in many parts of the world, including Latin America, a lot of times, the work that women do isn’t necessarily valued the same way as the work that men do,” Tark says.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“As an organization, we believe that if women are provided with the resources and then the right conditions, they will know what to do moving forward. What we do is make those resources available so they can actually go out and build their own future for themselves.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

For 22 years, Hidalgo worked as a legal assistant in San José, the bustling capital of Costa Rica. But then her boss, a lawyer, died. She and her family moved back to the countryside, where she’d grown up, and took over a coffee, fruit and vegetable farm. Though she was enthusiastic, there was a lot to learn. That’s when she heard about Bean Voyage and became intrigued by its mission.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“We live not only in a country, but in a world of aggression, where women have always been given very little space,” Hidalgo says. “Here and everywhere, people have always believed that men are the ones in charge, the ones who have to bring food to the table, and that women are only meant to raise children, and it's not like that. We live in times of equality when both you and I can work, and we both can contribute.”&nbsp;

Hidalgo says she’s learned so much from Bean Voyage – not only about better farming techniques but also about being a leader in her community, climate change adaptation and business and entrepreneurship. She sometimes sells her extra eggs to neighbors, which provides additional income. And she hopes to export her coffee one day.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“I want to keep learning. I no longer see myself as someone who struggles to learn,” she says. “On the contrary, I want to learn more every day and become even better than what I am.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

“I love them. You have no idea,” she says, laughing. “My hens will die of old age, but I won’t eat them.”&nbsp;

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The Starbucks Foundation Origin Grant recipients

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Three women smiling outside on a farm, holding a plastic tub of eggs

Our aspiration is to be people positive—investing in humanity and the well-being of everyone we connect with, from our partners to coffee farmers to the customers in our stores and beyond.

People

People Archives - Historias-en

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Here’s what impact looks like. Meet Kattya, a smallholder coffee farmer in Costa Rica, who’s building a better life for her family, one egg at a time.

New round of grants from The Starbucks Foundation will help uplift women and girls in coffee-growing communities

https://historias.starbucks.com/en-es/stories/2023/the-starbucks-foundation-announces-grants-to-uplift-1-million-women-and-girls-in-coffee-growing-communities-2/

It wasn’t until I joined the Global Coffee team that I truly understood that Starbucks mission and values extend far beyond our offices, stores and local communities.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Our commitment to ethical coffee sourcing and the standards we have in place through <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/press/2020/cafe-practices-starbucks-approach-to-ethically-sourcing-coffee/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">C.A.F.E. Practices</a> are rooted in this strong belief and realization that the decisions we make as a company may have a direct or indirect impact on people and planet, and with that comes immense responsibility and accountability. It’s not lost on me how significant this commitment is given our scale. We source coffee from over 30 countries and nearly 425k farmers around the world!

I like to refer to the <a href="https://traceability.starbucks.com/#/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Digital Traceability tool</a> as “technology” with a soul because it’s grounded in our commitment to transparency. Customers should know where their coffee comes from, how it was sourced, and all of the hard work that goes into each cup. We’re creating space for every voice to be heard and human story to be told, from the first 10 feet to the last 10 feet and every step in between. When you can use the power of storytelling to change hearts and minds, it becomes so much more than a cup of coffee.

Meet the women at Starbucks who are crucial to the coffee business, every step of the way, around the globe.

Beth Ann, manager, digital traceability program – Starbucks Support Center, Seattle

https://historias.starbucks.com/en-es/stories/2023/beth-ann-manager-digital-traceability-program-starbucks-support-center-seattle-3/

Coffee cupping is the professional practice of observing the tastes and aromas of coffee.&nbsp;&nbsp;

I chose to join the Starbucks Yunnan <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/press/2018/starbucks-farmer-support-centers/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Farmer Support Center</a> (FSC) because I majored in agriculture. As a Yunnanese, I naturally feel connected to coffee and tea, two major economic crops in Yunnan, and I used to have internship experience with a tea house as a tea cupper.&nbsp;&nbsp;

In Yunnan, our FSC agronomists frequently visit the famers and teach them how to grow better coffee. Each year, our quality control team goes to the farms with the agronomists to do quality inspection, teaching farmers cupping, talking to them and helping them tackle the challenges in improving coffee quality. We are doing everything we can to support Yunnan farmers and the local community. One of my jobs is to go to coffee farms, teaching farmers how to do cupping.&nbsp;

I love coffee and I think coffee is an art that reflects a taste of life. Every coffee has a story, and every coffee has its own flavor. You can always learn something new from each coffee.&nbsp;

Qiong, coffee cupper – China

https://historias.starbucks.com/en-es/stories/2023/qiong-coffee-cupper-china-3/

Qiong, coffee cupper – China 

When I was in college, I often went to the Starbucks store nearby. I was always inspired by the relaxing and joyful atmosphere created by Starbucks partners behind the bar. I thought being a barista should be fun, so I joined Starbucks.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The moment I put on my apron, I decided to be a good barista, because I always have role models around me. When I do a heart in latte art, my friends can already do reverse tulip. When I learned tulip, they can do swan... Not just latte art, but other skills as well.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Our partners are not only diligent in practicing, but also willing to share experiences with me. So, I would love to share my coffee knowledge with more partners. When we share the same interests and beliefs, the way forward is hopeful, full of passion and strength. In the store, when a customer is smiling (because of) satisfying latte art, or reply to our greetings, these kinds of details make me feel that we are doing the right thing with our mission and values.&nbsp;&nbsp;

A small coffee bean holds great energy, and so do we. As long as we keep our faith and keep moving forward, we can certainly inspire the infinite possibilities of coffee and ourselves.

Sylvia, national coffee ambassador, store manager – China

https://historias.starbucks.com/en-es/stories/2023/sylvia-national-coffee-ambassador-store-manager-china/

I was married in my 20s and a housewife since then. My first part-time job was at age 76 (with Starbucks). When people are almost 80 years old, they are not given much responsibility in society generally. However, when I come to the store, I feel responsible and work on cleanliness as if I am in charge. As a resident of this area for nearly 50 years, I consider it my role to connect the community and my store. I want to be a bridge between artists and my store.&nbsp;

I am happy, rewarded and grateful to be given the responsibility of keeping the store and backyard clean. I am happy to be in a circle of young partners who are as old as my grandchildren and to talk with them.&nbsp;&nbsp;

I thought I can cheer up the elderly in my community through my work. Younger partners will be able to provide customer service that is sensitive to the feelings of younger people. I can understand how elderly people are feeling. When I find someone who looks tired in the crowded store, I call out to him or her and also place a reserved card on a seat and ask him or her to sit and wait.

Katsuko, café attendant – Japan 

https://historias.starbucks.com/en-es/stories/2023/katsuko-cafe-attendant-japan-2/

My journey, it’s been full of curiosity, learning new things, and of course, developing myself from a barista to a store manager.&nbsp;

When I started working in an <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/stories/2020/starbucks-opens-two-all-female-stores-in-india/">all-women store</a>, we were open about everything, like sharing anything with our team. When we have our store briefings, we could talk openly. So that was one thing which I loved the most about an all-women store. And I love how the customers also observed us… it was like, they were surprised. They’ve never seen this thing.&nbsp;&nbsp;

What makes it special is, of course, the development of our women partners. They start building the leadership qualities.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Starbucks is a place where new ideas are welcomed. It means working in a positive environment where there are no boundaries to one’s growth and learnings. I always go back to the time when I was new to this organization and I was happy to know that the mission and values are not just theoretical, they also can be seen vividly in our stores.

Sneha, manager, one of 15 all women stores – India

Sneha, manager, one of 15 all-women stores – India

https://historias.starbucks.com/en-es/stories/2023/sneha-manager-one-of-15-all-women-stores-india/

In 2005, after dropping her daughter off at school, Grace Bae saw a job advertisement at a nearby Starbucks and applied to be a barista. She’d been searching for jobs but felt she was being rejected due to her age.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Grace Bae: I started working at the age of 39, and I’m already in my 50s, but my goal is to work for a long time because I’m good at managing my physical strength. A cup of coffee can be the start of someone’s day or a precious moment to enjoy with others, so I try to craft every beverage wholeheartedly.

Hope: Starbucks, where my mother worked, was my hangout place. After school, I used to do homework with my friends at Starbucks and wait for my mom to finish her work. It was a familiar space. Most of my childhood memories were with Starbucks. My mom taught me know-how to memorize things easily. It’s a strange and special experience that I still have ‘buddy’ customers. These days, I have regular customers who ask me what’s going on (after I’ve been away). This workplace has become a precious part of my life, and means as much to me as it does to my mother.

Grace Bae and Hope, barista and shift supervisor, mother-daughter coffee masters – Korea

https://historias.starbucks.com/en-es/stories/2023/grace-bae-and-hope-barista-and-shift-supervisor-mother-daughter-coffee-masters-korea/

Rina started as a part-time barista in college before taking on different roles in marketing, public affairs, digital strategy and social impact. In 2022, she helped launch the <a href="https://www.ywcakl.org.my/post/starbucks-upcycled-flavorlock-pouch-project-launch-in-starbucks-stores" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Starbucks Upcycled Flavorlock Pouch project</a>, where Starbucks works with local seamstresses to help turn whole bean coffee packaging into <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NKKVtKwQr8g" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">small lined handbags</a>, giving them a second life. Not only does this save potential trash from the landfill, but for every pouch sold, Starbucks donates money to the YWCA in Kuala Lumpur.&nbsp;&nbsp;

It is more than just coffee. I am very fortunate to love what I do and be presented with many interesting opportunities. At Starbucks, every day is an ongoing learning journey and it’s always exciting for me! Inspired by many partners, communities and NGOs that I worked with, my team and I are happy to pay it forward by strategizing sustainable social impact programs that are able to empower and create pathways to the beneficiaries. While it has its challenges, it is undoubtedly a very fulfilling career.

Rina, head of sustainability and social impact – Malaysia

https://historias.starbucks.com/en-es/stories/2023/rina-head-of-sustainability-and-social-impact-malaysia/

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