Lu Epstein

Anthropologist, Researcher, Trainer, Artist, and Interdisciplinarian

Littleton, Colorado, United States

About

Strong operations professional with a bachelor's from Colorado State University in Interdisciplinary Liberal Arts, including minors in Anthropology and American Sign Language, and a masters degree through the California Institute of Integral Studies in Anthropology and Social Change (received May 2023). Experienced in data analysis, interdisciplinarity, research, anthropological investigation/ ethnography, copy editing, project planning, communication (interpersonal, nonverbal, intercultural, co-cultural, and professional), reframing/ translating information and languages, team organizing, food service, and more. Driven by social equity, kindness, contextual thinking, and mutual aid.

Experience

  • Barista Trainer at Starbucks
    Aug 2023 - Present · 2 yrs 11 mos

  • Crew Member at Wing Shack Enterprises
    May 2021 - Jul 2022 · 1 yr 3 mos

  • Barista at Sweet Temptations
    Sep 2019 - May 2021 · 1 yr 9 mos

    As a barista on a college campus, the environment is very fast-paced so I'm required to be adaptable to customers and my coworkers' needs. In this position, I'm utilized as a cashier, barista, and floater (person in charge of restocking, helping take orders, organizing merchandise, preparing the brewed coffee, doing dishes, etc.). This position allows me to gain qualities such as confidence when under pressure, multitasking, and flexibility.

  • Food Runner, Barista, Pantry Chef, Hostess, and Expediter at Vista Vino Modern Grill
    May 2019 - Aug 2020 · 1 yr 4 mos

    I was trained on the line in May 2019 to which I was promoted to food runner in which I had full control of food to table experience for the customers. In July and August of 2019, I was in charge of training the three new hires in food running and hosting. This job gave me the ability to work well under pressure in a high paced environment while still actively being a team player.

  • Barista at Starbucks
    May 2016 - Aug 2017 · 1 yr 4 mos

    I gained a lot of insight on how to multitask successfully. Towards the end of my earlier career with Starbucks, I earned the privilege of becoming a trainer for the new staff members. I’m driven in nature and I manage to make others feel the urge to succeed too.