MEET THE KENT CAFÉ ASSISTANT MANAGER

ABOUT CORRINA STEFFENS-Highley

Corrina Steffens-Highley discovered her passion for Macrina while working at Metropolitan Market. "I loved the products that would come into the store," she recalls. After relocating to Eastern Washington with her husband and raising three daughters, the family returned to Seattle. In 2021, Corrina noticed a job opening at the Macrina café in Kent and knew it was the perfect fit. "This is totally where I belong," she says. "I'm happy here."

In October 2022, Corrina was promoted to Shift Lead, overseeing the staff and operations at the café. "It's not just work to me," she explains. "It's like a second family." When asked about the best compliment she has ever received, Corrina doesn't hesitate: "Someone told me I have a glowing personality." As the morning rush begins, that glow fills the café as she greets many regular customers by name.

With Macrina's office, test kitchen, and wholesale bakery in the same building, Corrina interacts with and serves many employees throughout the day. "I especially love wandering back to the test kitchen to see what Leslie's creating next," she shares.

Hailing from a large Italian-American family, Corrina has always found meals to be central to family life. "I love cooking," she says. "Food, to me, is art." The Kent café is closed on weekends, so Corrina takes pleasure in hosting meals at her home and sharing food with her husband, daughters, and extended family.

Now teenagers, her daughters enjoy spending time on the water. They hold a season pass to Wild Waves, and when they're not seeking thrills on the water slides, they often spend quality time outdoors as a family. Ruston Way beach is a favorite summer weekend destination, while hiking is a popular activity when the weather is not beach friendly.

Hometown: Federal Way, Washington

First Job: Red Robin Gourmet Burgers

Alternate Universe Job: Singer / Queen of Country

Pastry You Couldn't Live Without: Orange Hazelnut Pinwheel

Dessert Specialty: I make a delicious Tiramisu!

Weekend Getaway: Summer = Ocean Shores, Washington beach; Winter = Leavenworth, Washington

Binge Food: Cheeto Puffs

Dream Vacation: Ireland

Favorite Seattle Restaurant: Caffé Umbria for Affogatos

Food You Despise: Anchovies

Guilty Pleasure: See's Chocolate Candy Shop

Last Book You Enjoyed: Bedtime Stories for Stressed Out Adults

What You Listen to Now: Pop/Country All Hit Music

Favorite Movie: La La Land and Crazy, Stupid, Love.