In Their Words
Katrina’s Story: Katrina Jackson is more than our beautiful cover model. She is also an Army spouse and nine year Starbucks partner. Like many military spouses, Katrina is balancing professional and personal responsibilities. She works at the Starbucks Military Community Store near Joint Base Lewis McChord and she is also pursuing her bachelor’s degree in mass media and communications through the Starbucks College Achievement Plan, a unique partnership with Arizona State University that provides 100% tuition coverage.
Her love of Starbucks doesn’t just stop at day’s end– she literally met her love at Starbucks. “My husband and I met in Columbus, GA. I was working at a Starbucks and he came in one night. It was a Thursday night, and I didn’t normally close on Thursday nights so that’s one reason I feel like we were meant to be. I was doing some paperwork, and when I looked up he was looking at me. I asked, “May I help you?” He wanted to know about our coffee spectrum. I educated him and before I could walk away he asked my name, which I gave. Later that night, I was doing my pastry pull when another partner handed me a note from him. He asked me out and I thought it was the sweetest thing. He came with me to church that Sunday and had lunch after. It is so cool to see how Starbucks has affected my life.”
Because of her positive experiences, Katrina is eager to share why she thinks Starbucks is at the top of the Military Friendly Spouse Employers List. “Starbucks is a great career option for military spouses. One of the most important benefits is the ability transfer to any store. The transfer process is so easy, it’s as simple as a phone call and filling out a single sheet of paper. The benefits are amazing, too! We have stock options available, health care and discounts. Even our schedules are flexible and have been a blessing so I can spend time with my husband.”
Gabriella Cullinan
Navy military spouse, store manager and nearly 11-year Starbucks partner.
- Gabriella married her high school sweetheart John, who was a Navy submariner.
- “Not long after I joined Starbucks, my husband was seriously injured aboard a submarine at sea. I received a satellite phone call from the captain letting me know that John had been sucked through a watertight door within the submarine and knocked unconscious. At that point he had been out for over an hour and they were trying to evacuate him via helicopter, however the seas were rough. The captain told me someone would call me back with more details as soon as they had any. Twelve hours and 13 minutes later I heard from a nurse in the ICU in San Diego. During those hours, my friends and co-workers at Starbucks were my family and support system to my son and I. My family that was 2800 miles away and I were so thankful for all of the partners at Starbucks. That experience confirmed that Starbucks was where I wanted be forever!
Kaitlyn Brumbaugh
Air Force spouse, assistant store manager, 2-year Starbucks partner
- “Starbucks has given me a family away from home. My husband was deployed and my Starbucks family was there to help me get through it. They care about my development even though I may only be in this city for a year or two. Starbucks has given me a career when many other companies said ‘no’ to the unknowns that come with being a military spouse.”
Charity Iles
Army military spouse, shift supervisor, 6-year Starbucks partner
- Charity’s husband, Gregory, is also a Starbucks partner of 6 years and currently serving active duty in the Army.
- “I’ve loved the opportunity to work for Starbucks because the company is all about its partners and customers. The main benefit for me as a military spouse is that I can continue my career with Starbucks since my job can move wherever my husband’s service takes us.”
Rhoda Lynch
Army military spouse, 7-year Starbucks partner
- Rhoda is the mother of a 19-year-old daughter who is currently active duty in the Air Force, as well as a 13-year-old daughter. Her husband, Ken, retired from the Army after 20 years of active duty service and 2 years of reserve duty service.
“I enjoy working for Starbucks because I enjoy interacting with and meeting new people from all over the world.”
