An Update on Starbucks Commitment to Fostering Diversity, Inclusion and Equity
Starbucks shares its next steps in its commitment to fostering diversity, inclusion and equity for partners, customers and the communities it serve serves.
Since the very beginning, Starbucks Mission and Values have reflected our fundamental principle that we welcome everyone. That belief has resulted in an unrelenting dedication to foster a diverse, inclusive and equitable environment for our partners (employees), customers and the communities we serve.
On May 29 we closed more than 8,000 Starbucks company-owned stores and offices across the United States for a conversation on race, bias and the continued work to build of a diverse, welcoming company. This learning session was a foundational step in renewing Starbucks as a place where all people feel welcome. In the coming weeks, we will continue to evolve this work and our commitment with the counsel of leading civil rights and community leaders.
- Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights Convening: On Oct. 3, 2018, we will join several national civil rights leaders, hosted by the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, to discuss how businesses such as Starbucks can create systemic change to address different forms of bias and create more inclusive work cultures. We will share more on the lessons we have learned and specific next steps on our journey forward.
- Arizona State University (ASU) Curriculum: May 29 was one step in our commitment to continuing a dialogue around different forms of bias. In partnership with ASU, and their award-winning faculty, we are developing an innovative open source curriculum to address specific forms of bias. This will be available to our partners and customers that are interested in opening dialogue around these critical issues. We welcome the opportunity for input from national leaders on our path forward.
- Hire! Philly: We will continue to listen and engage with our partners and the community of Philadelphia. We are grateful for the partnerships with community leaders, elected officials, universities, and other stakeholders to help bring awareness of how businesses can engage locally to make a positive difference. On Oct. 4, 2018, we will join a coalition of organizations to help connect opportunity seekers ages 16-35 to career resources, job preparation and entrepreneurship support, and immediate job opportunities available in the greater Philadelphia area. Hire! Philly is a day-long job and resource fair that will kick off a longer-term commitment from the coalition to break down barriers to jobs and economic opportunity for all. Registration for the event is now open.
- National Association of Black Law Enforcement (NOBLE): Since 2011, Starbucks has hosted over 500 “Coffee with Cops” gatherings intended to bring residents and police together, across the United States, to discuss relevant issues and find common ground. Now, as part of our commitment to greater support the communities we serve, Starbucks will host a convening with National Association of Black Law Enforcement (NOBLE) later this year to discuss community policing best practices and how we better engage in our neighborhoods.
We look forward to sharing more on the outcomes of these and other steps we will continue to take as we aspire to live our Mission and Values and create an even more inclusive, diverse and equitable company where everyone is welcome.