Starbucks Stories Nurturing the human spirit

At Starbucks, we believe in the power of human connection – the power of a cup of coffee to bring people together, spark conversation and inspire positive change. From local initiatives to global impact, learn about the people behind the brand, working to uplift their communities.

More than 13,000 partners have graduated from Arizona State University through the Starbucks College Achievement Plan. Every graduate has a unique story.

See the photo essay

It was a life-saving moment. When I sat on the back of that horse, that horse didn’t care that my legs didn’t work.”
Rebecca Hart, barista

Rebecca’s story

“I have described the feeling to my inner circle as being able to finally breathe and go out into the world without fear, shame or apology,”
June, Starbucks partner

June’s story

We don’t have all the answers, we’re not going to solve all of the problems that we have around inclusion, accessibility, disabilities, all in one mural, obviously.”
Ryan Seslow, a New York City artist

Experience the artwork

This latest work by New York City-based artist and professor, Ryan Seslow is a permanent installation at the first Starbucks store designed using new Inclusive Spaces Framework.

A colorful mural on the wall inside the house of Ryan Seslow

Inside the house of Ryan Seslow where he is seating at his computer working

The Power of Connection

At Starbucks, we believe in the power of human connection — the power of a cup of coffee and how it can bring people together.

Starbucks partners standing together in front of the store

Hingakawa

This is the Hingakawa coffee co-op, more than 550 women strong, located in the mountainous region of the Gakenke district. Each year, the women bring the coffee they’ve grown to the co-op to be sorted, dried and then sold. As a group, they make business decisions, negotiate for the best prices and support each other. Here, at Hingakawa, they know that they are strongest together.

Read the stories

Forgiveness is a choice

Once on the opposite sides of war, these women experienced heartbreak in very different ways. Finding common ground through their shared livelihood of coffee, they are no longer each other’s enemy, they are each other’s strength.

‘They are lifesaving’: Starbucks offers expanded benefits for trans people

Under Starbucks benefits for transgender partners, procedures historically deemed cosmetic by most employers, such as electrolysis, facial feminization, breast reduction or augmentation and more are covered by insurance in the U.S. The company worked with World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH) to translate their recommended standards of care into a medical benefits policy.

Tate’s story

Mikah dressing in Jingle Dress costume next to her car

See us as we are now.”
Mikah, Starbucks barista, Oklahoma

Powwows are gatherings held by many Indigenous cultures in North America. Some are public and casual. Some are more sacred and ceremonial.

Mikah’s story

The impact of a Neighborhood Grant

Prism United, a LGBTQ+ advocacy nonprofit in Alabama, helped Adrian find his true self. He’s giving back by nominating them for a grant from The Starbucks Foundation.

Learn about the impact