Starbucks Corp.
Seattle, WA
149,000 employees
CEO: Howard Schultz
CDE: Cecilia Carter
www.starbucks.com
Diversity mission: Aside from extraordinary coffee, Starbucks has made a business out of human connections, community involvement and the celebration of cultures. We’re committed to upholding a culture where diversity is valued and respected. So it’s only natural that as a guiding principle, diversity is integral to everything we do.
Already publically perceived as a model of social diversity, Starbucks, the Seattle based coffee giant is making that perception a reality. At Starbucks, diversity is defined by a simple equation: Diversity = Inclusion + Equity + Accessibility. Inclusion is the component for human connection and engagement, Equity is the component of justice and fairness, and Accessibility is the ease of use, and barrier-free culture. To help expand its presence in underserved communities, Starbucks combined strategic partnerships with non-profit organizations, with an innovative business model. In 2012 the company will launch two community stores from which each transaction generates a contribution benefitting New York’s Harlem community, through the Abyssinian Development Corp.., and the Los Angeles Urban League in the Crenshaw neighborhood. By leveraging its retail and online presence, Starbucks will increase awareness and galvanize support for its nonprofit partners. The goal of this initiative is to create job opportunities and strengthen community-based organizations negatively impacted by cutbacks in both public and private resources.
