Queen Elizabeth II to honor a Starbucks partner
Jaz Rabadia will be honored as a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for her service to sustainability in the energy management sector and for promoting diversity in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
She will accept the MBE, which was established in 1917 to mark civilian achievements, from a member of the royal family at Buckingham Palace later this month.
“I’ve asked several of my colleagues and peers, but I still don’t know who nominated me for the award,” said Rabadia.
“It’s truly an honor to be recognized in this way. Working in an exciting industry and being recognized by your peers is a great reward.”
Rabadia was also named Young Energy Professional of the Year by the Energy Institute in 2014.
“Accepting an in-house energy role for a global organization was very appealing to me,” she said.
“The fact that the organization was Starbucks and I would have a hand in shaping the role was an added bonus.”
In Rabadia's role, she’s focused on influencing the sustainable design of new Starbucks stores and developing environmental engagement tools for existing stores in Europe, Middle East and Africa region. She brings more than nine years of energy experience to Starbucks, after receiving her degree in mechanical engineering from City University London. In her final project prior to graduation, she completed an energy study at a large supermarket chain in the UK. Her work to implement energy-saving initiatives there resulted in her first role in energy management.
“My project at University was how I fell into the world of energy,” she said. “After I got my foot in the door, I just continued to grow and learn as much as I could from the people around me.”
Rabadia also volunteers her time at schools and universities to promote careers in science, technology, engineering and math.
“It’s great that Starbucks is an employer that allows me to give back. I have the flexibility and support to serve society and get involved with projects for the greater good. That really is the ultimate reward,” she said.
