Joanna Manabat & Amy Tzse
OUR PPN CO-CHAIRS
JOANNA MANABAT
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AMY TZSE
I was born and raised in Vancouver, British Columbia, to parents who both immigrated here from Hong Kong, but actually only met once they arrived in Canada. I would say I lived a very Western lifestyle, speaking English to my parents and Cantonese to my grandparents. Looking back, there were customs we followed and food we ate that were unique to being Chinese, but I never knew it as such, or understood the significance and history behind them. It was only after becoming a partner at Starbucks and joining the PPN that I really got curious about my background and decided to learn more about it. As the former programming lead and now co-chair of the PPN, my goal is for all our Asian partners to feel pride in their culture and share it with their peers at work.
Trevor Voogt & Leslie Richards
TREASURER & US LIASON
TREVOR VOOGT
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LESLIE RICHARDS
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Francis Suratos & Karen Chong Siat Moy
REGIONAL REPRESENTATIVES
FRANCIS SURATOS
BI moved to Canada from the Philippines in the year 2000. I was born in the Summer Capital of the Philippines, Baguio City. I am fluent in speaking Filipino ( Tagalog) and Ilokano. Coming to Canada, my parents came from nothing and often relied on organizations and donations to raise our family of six. As years pass by, my parents taught us the value of giving back to the community and needy as well as breaking some stigmas. My parents advised us to never be a bystander and always be proud our cultural indifference and background. Joining Starbucks PPN opened up a plethora of opportunities in sustaining those values and cultural preservation my parents inspired us. It provided a safe space for us to express ourselves and offered an opportunity to develop within our roles. PPN Canada help us give back to our community and help others. PPN Canada is an awe-inspiring network that invites all Starbucks partners to discover their cultural backgrounds and explore developmental opportunities within the Starbucks Company through mentorship, community service and networking. I was once a very uncomfortable public speaker, I maybe still am. Ultimately, PPN Canada have help me navigate that by being comfortable in those uncomfortable situations in order to be successful.
KAREN CHONG SIAT MOY
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Lin Dickinson & Sienna Rosario
Engagement Co-leads
LIN DICKINSON
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SIENNA ROSARIO
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Rhigan Abarquez & TBD
Belonging Lead
RHIGAN ABARQUEZ
Born and raised in the Philippines and migrated to Canada last July 2014 and started to work at McDonald’s as a Shift Manager. I have been very passionate about community works and volunteering in various events which led me to become President of the Filipino Association in Swift Current and Area in SW Saskatchewan.
My Starbucks journey started at Regina, SK as an external hire SM. Currently now living in Calgary as a Store manager in a busy DT store in Coventry Hills to further develop my professional growth with Starbucks. Joining PPN last 2021 as a local activator was very rewarding and humbling at the same time, being able to connect and meet different leaders within the organization. I’m excited with my new role in PPN as a Co-Belonging Lead and will be looking forward to creating more impact in our Network.
I love to sing, cook, emcee and watch all sorts of movies. Traveling is my reward for all the hard work. My fave drink is Matcha Frappuccino sub White Mocha and Lactose free milk.
Kevin J.W. Yang & Christopher Han
Marketing & Communications Leads
CHRISTOPHER HAN
I was born an American, in 1989, but didn’t immigrate to Canada until I was 7. The better part of my youth was spent in the concrete cityscapes of Taiwan.
The immigration journey was long, terrible, and shattering for my parents - something I didn’t become aware of until my late tweens. It was only then, as I slowly reconnected with my mother and father did I come to terms with the fact that the always gnawing, uncomfortable feeling of statelessness - of always being an outsider, no matter which Country I held a passport to - was the sirenic, genetic calling of my blood and homeland, and a deep longing to understand, connect with, and honour the lives of my parents.
And thus began my PPN Journey - my very own trip back in time, by telling your stories.
KEVIN J.W. YANG
I have been living in Canada for 12 years. Originally from Canton, China, I am part of the Hakka community, known as "guest families." While I can speak both Cantonese and Mandarin, I primarily speak Hakka with my family.
Moving to a new country was a daunting experience, especially due to the language barrier. Despite being outgoing and loving to share stories, I often struggled to express my true feelings. Fortunately, the people I've met in Canada have been welcoming and friendly.
Being a Starbucks PPN member has been particularly rewarding as our inclusive culture has allowed me to meet many wonderful partners. They patiently listen and help me improve my language skills. The relationships I've built here have made Canada feel like home again.
Barbara Spiering
Our Sponsor
BARBARA SPIERING
Barbara Spiering is an 18-year partner leading Technical Product Management for Customer and Retail Technology. Over her tenure at Starbucks, she has led the development of applications to support key revenue-generating programs such as My Starbucks Rewards and Starbucks Gift Cards. Her passion centers around user experience and focusing on creating points of connection that add meaning for customers. Barbara continues to bring marketing strategies, such as Personalization and Digital Menu Boards, to life. Her favorite Starbucks beverage is a Flat White.