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Seattle, WA-based Starbucks plans to lay off 1,100 corporate support employees as part of an effort to streamline operations and improve efficiency. On Monday, Feb. 24, 2025, Starbucks CEO Brian Niccol announced in a news release that those affected will receive notice on Feb. 25. The decision comes after senior leaders began “evaluating the role, structure, and size” of the coffee chain’s global corporate teams in January. “I recognize the news is difficult. It is not a decision the leadership team took lightly,” Niccol wrote. “We understand the real effect this has on partners’ lives and their families. We believe it’s a necessary change to position Starbucks for future success — and to ensure we deliver for our green apron partners and the customers they serve.” The release noted that the layoffs do not affect Starbucks retail store employees or baristas. While the plan also includes eliminating several hundred additional open and unfilled positions, Niccol said the company will...
Starbucks is at the center of a lawsuit for alleged discrimination related to its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies . On Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2025, Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey, a Republican, filed a lawsuit claiming that the Seattle, WA-based coffee chain enforces “race-and-sex-based hiring practices” and unlawfully segregates employees in violation of anti-discrimination laws, according to a news release. Since taking office for a second term on Jan. 20, 2025, President Donald Trump has signed several executive orders to dismantle federal DEI initiatives. “As Attorney General, I have a responsibility to protect Missourians from a company that actively engages in systemic race and sex discrimination,” Bailey said. “Racism has no place in Missouri. We’re filing suit to halt this blatant violation of the Missouri Human Rights Act in its tracks.” Bailey said the initiatives have led to a “more female and less white” workforce and forced Missouri consumers to “pay...
Mellody Hobson is exiting her board role at Starbucks. Hobson is well regarded for her efforts at Ariel Investments, a global value-based asset management firm, where she is responsible for management, strategic planning, and growth beyond research and portfolio management as co-CEO and president, her LinkedIn mentions . In 2021, Hobson launched Ariel Alternatives, LLC, leading to a $1.45 billion raise for its private equity fund, Project Black. This initiative aims to support both non-minority-owned middle-market companies and those currently owned by Black and Latino entrepreneurs that generate $100 million to $1 billion in revenue, as AFROTECH™ previously reported. With funding, these companies would then be expected to transform into certified minority business enterprises of scale to serve as Tier 1 suppliers to the Fortune 500. Hobson has also been tied to various corporate boardrooms. She was a board member of the Estée Lauder Companies and chairman of the board of DreamWorks...
Almost everyone is familiar with the mermaid branded barista coffee chain offering a premium brew with faux Italian charm. Founded in 1971 in Seattle, Starbucks Coffee has long since been an international sensation. From humble beginnings at its flagship store in Pike Place (the first Starbucks location), to outposts in far-flung locales around the world, almost everyone is familiar with Starbucks. Today, Starbucks boasts over 38,000 locations serving more than 80 countries with its signature brews and even customized treats unique to the cultural tastes of each region. From airports to hotels, dabbling in the venture capital world , and even consumer packaged goods for coffee lovers to enjoy favorite items at home, there’s no stopping this iconic brand. And this leads to the inevitable question, just how much is Starbucks’ net worth — or in the case of a business, market cap? Humble Beginnings Starbucks Coffee logo is seen in Manhattan, New York, United States of America, on July...
Being funny pays. Just look to TikToker DeMarcus Shawn as confirmation. Beginnings Growing up on the outskirts of Chicago, IL, he recalls always being funny, often creating skits or playfully imitating his family members. His humor translated well to the camera, and he would toss around various skit ideas with his two older brothers. With the rise of social media, leaning into it was natural for Shawn. Ultimately, he landed on TikTok as his breeding ground for content though initially his Instagram was geared towards his creative interests. @artbydemarcusshawn #fyp ♬ original sound – DemarcusShawn “I grew up doing music and learning how to sing and photography. I’m a guy that’s heavy on drawing and painting,” he told AFROTECH™. “ Those are my hobbies that I like to do. Outside of that, when I came into TikTok, it was more of what I’ve been doing with my siblings, but on a larger front.” Full-Time Content Creation Shawn was working on building his online presence while also employed...
Piersten Gaines wants to bring luxury to the textured hair community. Her mission stems from several trips to the salon and not receiving proper care. She describes some visits as even “traumatic” after losing all her hair under the care of two licensed stylists. Gaines would later attend Harvard Business School and conceptualized Texas-based silk blowout bar Pressed Roots following a class presentation that allowed her to pitch the concept to “ Shark Tank” judge Kevin O’Leary. “Once I matriculated into business school, I became hyper-aware that there was a huge underserved market who were searching for the same hair care experience that I had been searching for for years — one that was reliable, affordable, luxurious, and one where the stylists actually understood the needs of my hair texture,” she said in email interview with AFROTECH™. “That is how Pressed Roots was conceptualized. I envisioned a chain of luxury, silk blowout bars that celebrate and specialize in the specific...
Some would argue that how a person starts the day is a critical process for overall productivity. Whether it’s a gym routine or roasting your favorite coffee blend, the morning typically sets the tone for how people kick off their day. Starbucks’ new CEO Laxman Narasimhan begins his busy days by delaying his morning brew and opting instead to start with a moment of reflection through meditation. Narasimhan’s future plans for the global coffee brand include more than his approach to each day. He intends to fully immerse himself in the organization’s inner workings to “earn his green apron.”
Modern media has given the world several vantage points into the struggle of substance abuse. Whether fictional or rooted in reality, the impacts of drug and alcohol misuse are no laughing matter. For many, the consequences of such a struggle meant the termination of relationships and jobs, the loss of money, and, unfortunately, the loss of life. However, not all stories that involve substance abuse end in defeat. Several people, with proper support and strategy, can recover and live healthy and prosperous lives. Milwaukee Bucks assistant coach Vin Baker is an example of a person who triumphed over his struggles, overcoming considerable losses and relational distress.
The summer weather isn’t the only thing coming in hot. There’s apparently a non-fungible token (NFT) heatwave as new collections are added to the digital community almost daily. With so many options, investors and enthusiasts alike have many options to choose from. Check out the latest set of NFTs AfroTech has been paying attention to.
Starbucks has broadened its equity and inclusion efforts just ahead of MLK Day. As a part of its latest initiative to support more Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC), the renowned coffee company has created a way for Starbucks partners, both employees and customers, to honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. just ahead of Monday’s holiday. The efforts further Dr. King’s commitment to both service and belonging. Kicking off on Monday, Jan. 17, Starbucks will provide three virtual volunteer opportunities with organizations that include Junior Achievement, MENTOR, and City Year. All three nonprofits are also recipients of The Starbucks Foundation Grants that were launched to support BIPOC youth.
Fast-food selling salad chain sweetgreen values providing real food to communities. After over a decade in the business, they are hoping to propel restaurant operations with the help of Woeleta Ayele, who served 16 years as a Starbucks executive, according to a press release. “Sweetgreen is a truly innovative company that is paving the way for a healthier future. The way that they approach the intersection of food and tech is unlike any other restaurant brand out there,” shares Woeleta in a press statement. “I’m excited and grateful to be joining the sweetgreen team as they lead the charge of changing the fast food industry for years to come.” Woeleta began her new position on Aug. 17 — replacing Paul Horvath. As Chief Technology Officer, she will scout promising talent, and revamp digital platforms to advance sweetgreen’s supply chain model. The company’s hope is that she will help cultivate the continuous effort of the chain to create a unified experience with technology and...
Dennis Brockman has been appointed as the global chief inclusion and diversity officer for Starbucks. According to a press release, Brockman is a 13-year partner (employee) and most recently the Midwest regional vice president. Since December, Brockman has served as the interim chief inclusion and diversity officer. With the new appointment, he will continue to report to CEO Kevin Johnson in his new role. “For all of us at Starbucks, each day we must reaffirm our responsibility to one another — to care for each other, to strengthen our communities, and to ensure diverse perspectives are represented at the company’s highest levels,” said Johnson in a news release. “We have committed to do so with intention, with transparency, and with accountability.” In his new role, Brockman will be responsible for building a culture of Inclusion & Diversity (I&D) leadership excellence and accountability, and amplifying and operationalizing I&D within the U.S. business. “Dennis, this promotion is...
Walgreens joins various companies in its latest effort to diversify their board. Starbucks Corp. operating chief Roz Brewer is set to be named Walgreens Boots Alliance Inc.’s new chief executive officer, according to inside sources, reports The Wall Street Journal. Once set in stone, the new appointment will reportedly make Brewer the only Black female leading a Fortune 500 company today. Brewer will replace CEO Stefano Pessina who mentioned that he would step down as the drugstore company’s CEO once they found a new leader. As regulators, investors and activists continue to push for more diversity in Corporate America, Brewer’s appointment comes just on the heels of Nasdaq’s prediction that proposed changes will continue to push for greater gender and racial diversity on the boards of publicly-traded companies listed on its exchange. Upon joining Starbucks’ board in 2017, Brewer became its chief operating officer later that year after she served as CEO of Sam’s Club, owned by...
Starbucks has come a long way! In a recent announcement, the company announced its commitment to promote racial and social equity through new initiatives which include a $100 million investment to support small business and community development projects in BIPOC neighborhoods across the U.S. The new initiative will advance racial equity and environmental resilience by investing in impact-focused financial institutions which include Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) who currently support communities with limited access to capital, according a press release. Starbucks will partner with experts like the Opportunity Finance Network to allocate funds to institutions that support borrowers by providing access not only to capital but technical assistance and ongoing mentoring. “Starbucks has always been a company focused on caring for our partners, creating experiences for our customers, and playing a positive role in our communities and throughout society,” said...