July 27, 2025
The Starbucks Barista Who Bridged Silence with Sign Language
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In 2015, Starbucks barista Katie Weibel made a profound impact in Seattle by deciding to learn American Sign Language (ASL) to connect with a deaf customer, Ibby Bashir. Her sincere effort, driven by a genuine desire to make Ibby feel included and understood, sparked a viral wave of positivity. By bridging the communication gap, Katie not only transformed Ibby's experience but also inspired countless others to contemplate the power of empathy and small acts of kindness. Her story demonstrates how going beyond the expected, with the intention to serve and connect meaningfully, can create lasting change.