Today, Starbucks hosted its annual meeting of shareholders where senior leadership and partners (employees) from around the world gathered virtually to reflect on the company’s 50-year history… and look boldly toward the future.

Since its beginning in 1971, Starbucks has been a different kind of company- with people at the center- balancing profitability with social conscience. The 50-year journey has been grounded in a mission to inspire and nurture the human spirit – one person, one cup and one neighborhood at a time. Staying true to its heritage, Starbucks is looking toward future, reimaging the possibilities ahead.

Here are the Top Things to Know About Starbucks as it Kicks Off its 50th Anniversary Celebrations:

Starbucks is Reimagining the Future, Set to Play a Critical Role in The Great Human Reconnection

From one store in Seattle’s Pike Place Market in 1971, to nearly 33,000 stores serving customers globally, Starbucks has always believed that coffee can help build community and power human connections. This third place, where all are welcome, is more important than ever as the world will start to emerge from COVID-19. “Over the past 50 years, we have built a company that’s about more than coffee,” said Kevin Johnson, Starbucks ceo. “It’s about the human experience, connection and community, and we need that now more than ever.”

Mellody Hobson Begins Her Role as Starbucks Board Chair

Following the announcement of Mellody Hobson’s appointment at Starbucks Investor Day Conference in December, today marks Hobson’s first day in the role. Hobson, who first joined the board as an independent director in 2005, was appointed to board vice chair in 2018. She assumes the post following the retirement of outgoing board chair Myron (Mike) E. Ullman, III.

Starbucks Creates Moments of Connection and Inclusion, Offering a More Accessible Experience

The company announced several updates that will enhance inclusion and the accessibility of the Starbucks Experience for partners (employees) and customers. On Monday, Starbucks became the first food and beverage retailer to offer a free Aira service for customers at all U.S. Starbucks stores and Siren Retail locations, in partnership with San Diego-based Aira Tech Corp. Through a third-party smartphone service app, Aira connects blind and low-vision people to highly trained, remotely-located agents to provide instant access to visual information. Offering Aira service is part of the company’s ongoing work to improve and enhance the accessibility of physical and digital experiences for Starbucks partners (employees) and customers through inclusive design. Starbucks will also offer new large print and Braille menus in all U.S. and Canada stores this summer, developed in partnership with National Braille Press.