Voices in the Film
Baristas vs. Billionaires highlights the diverse and courageous voices of frontline Starbucks workers and their allies who stood up to corporate power to lead the largest wave of union organizing in the company’s history.
Worker Organizers
Michelle Eisen
Lead organizer at the Elmwood Avenue store in Buffalo—the first Starbucks in the U.S. to successfully
unionize. Eisen has become a national spokesperson for labor justice and a central figure in Starbucks Workers United.
Gianna Reeve
At just 19 years old, Reeve stood up to Howard Schultz during an illegal union-busting meeting in Buffalo, sparking national momentum for the movement. A founding member of Starbucks Workers United, she was later fired for her union activity.
Angel Krempa
A passionate organizer who led her Buffalo store to a successful union victory. Krempa was fired shortly
afterward, a clear act of retaliation by Starbucks for her leadership.
Victoria Conklin
Initially against unionization, Conklin changed course after witnessing Howard Schultz’s behavior at a
Buffalo meeting. She went on to successfully unionize her East Robinson store in Buffalo, NY, and was later fired for her support of the movement.
Will Westlake
A seasoned organizer who brought prior experience from the victorious Gimme Coffee union drive.
Westlake played a key role in Starbucks organizing efforts and was fired for his union involvement.
Sam Amato
A 13-year Starbucks veteran who was fired for being a union leader. His dismissal became a national
symbol of corporate retaliation and galvanized further support for the union effort.
Beto Sanchez
A key leader in the Memphis 7 , Sanchez was fired—along with six other baristas—on the same day by
Starbucks for union organizing at their Memphis store.
Lakota McGlawn
Another member of the Memphis 7 , McGlawn brought a powerful Southern voice to the movement. She was also fired the same day as her fellow organizers for her role in union efforts.
Nabretta Hardin
A Memphis 7organizer who advocated for racial and economic justice within the workplace. She was terminated alongside the others in a mass firing by Starbucks targeting union supporters.
Florentino Escobar
A fearless Memphis barista and Memphis 7member who invoked the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King
Jr. in his activism. Escobar was fired the same day as the rest of the group in a coordinated act of
retaliation.
EXperts and advocates
Richard Bensinger
Veteran labor organizer and strategic advisor to Starbucks Workers United. Bensinger provides
historical context and insight into grassroots campaign building.
Gary Bonadonna Jr.
Manager of Workers United Rochester Regional Joint Board. Bonadonna has played a pivotal behind-the-scenes role in empowering Starbucks workers across the country.
Rachel Donaldson
Labor historian and curator. Donaldson connects the current movement to broader struggles in
American labor history, underscoring its historical importance.
cultural and public figures
Image by Darren Tieste
Susan Sarandon
Narrator of Baristas vs. Billionaires . The Academy Award-winning
actor and activist lends her voice to guide the story with clarity,
compassion, and urgency.
Image by Marco Vacchi
Alec Baldwin
Contributing producer. Baldwin has supported the film from the very
beginning, working behind the scenes to elevate the project. He also featured Gianna Reeve on his podcast Here’s the Thing , giving national visibility to the worker-led campaign.