Starbucks: Upstanders

Upstanders is a Starbucks original series featuring a collection of short stories, films and podcasts sharing the experiences of ordinary people doing extraordinary things to create positive change in their communities.       About the Films In April, I received a call from Joshua Trujillo, former photojournalist and current manager of photo and video for…

Starbucks: Upstanders Season 2

Upstanders Season 2 is a collection of short stories celebrating ordinary people doing extraordinary things to create positive change in their communities. These stories of courage and humanity remind us that we all have the power to make a difference. After creating the pilot episode and several episodes in season one, I produced four more films…

Starbucks: Courtney Block Competes in Special Olympics

Courtney Block is deaf due to a rare condition called pontine tegmental cap dysplasia. She was born with neurological problems, deafness, seizures and progressive vision loss. Less than 50 people in the world are known to have the disorder which causes both physical and cognitive issues, said her father, Ken Block. At 37, she may also be…

Starbucks: Bean to Cup

For the first time in Starbucks history the entire life cycle of sustainably grown, high quality Arabica coffee from seedling to picking, milling, roasting and the craft of brewing in a café can be seen on its Costa Rican coffee farm, Hacienda Alsacia. On March 7, 2018 Hacienda Alsacia will opened its doors to a…

Starbucks: Hot Java Cool Jazz

Every year, five Seattle high school jazz bands are selected to compete at The Paramount. The event is hosted by Starbucks and 100% of all ticket sales from the concert go to the performing school music programs. Since 1995, Hot Java Cool Jazz has raised more than $625,000 for local school music programs. In 2018, I…