Another Starbucks barista and new mom is headed to Seattle next week to deliver our petitions directly to Starbucks executives! Hear more about her story and support her campaign: http://plus.nationbuilder.com/starbucks_petition_fair_equal_parental_leave In Kristen's own words: "My name is Kristen and I’m barista at a Starbucks in Medina, OH. Next week I am traveling to Seattle with my 3-month-old baby so I can attend the Starbucks annual shareholder meeting. I’m nervous about traveling with her by plane. But it’s important to me that I speak out about a company policy that just isn’t right. My employer is known for being a great company to work for -- but the truth of the matter is Starbuck’s parental leave policy leaves out baristas, dads and adoptive parents. You can join me on this journey -- sign our petition and I’ll deliver your message to Starbucks, calling on them to create a fair and equal parental leave program. I love working at Starbucks. It’s hard work, but I love my coworkers and my customers. Baristas like me are the heart and soul of the company -- and we are often an essential part of helping so many people get through the work day. Last year when I found out I was pregnant with my first baby, I was thrilled and excited and worried and nervous all at the same time. It wasn’t until I was actually in labor at the hospital that I found out I wouldn’t get paid a single day for my maternity leave, being only a few hours short to qualify. Even if I had qualified, the leave I would have gotten would be paltry compared to the time that corporate headquarters workers get. All parents know how precious every minute is with a newborn -- but we shouldn’t have to count that time in minutes, or mere days. Hard-working families across the country are facing a caregiving crisis. Every parent deserves the chance to bond with their baby, and that you can’t get that time back. It’s time for the company’s leadership to acknowledge that baristas deserve the chance to be there with their babies, just as much as the staff in corporate headquarters. Send a message to Seattle: sign the petition I’m delivering to Starbucks calling on them to provide a fair and equal parental leave program available to ALL their employees. Starbucks is a great company that has the chance to be even better. By providing fair and equal parental leave program to all their employees, they can set the stage for other companies everywhere. Join me and let’s win one for families all across the country."