Opinion

Store believed in immigrant’s potential

Posted June 19, 2013 6:00 am

I came to this country as a 17-year-old who didn’t speak English looking to start a new life. Even though I wasn’t able to speak the language, Walmart saw my potential and gave me a job. Thirteen years later, I am proud to say I am the manager of a Walmart store in East Dundee, IL.

My job at Walmart not only helped pay for my English classes but gave me an opportunity to succeed.

I started as a cashier and was promoted within a year to customer service manager. Over the 13 years I have been with the company, I have been promoted seven times. Today as a store manager, I oversee 160 employees.

Walmart believed in me. They saw I had potential and took a chance on a young girl trying to make it in a new world. This past year, they renewed that belief when Walmart personnel nominated me for the Rising Star Award from the National Hispana Leadership Institute, which I was awarded in December.

I am just one of the many stories of Walmart associates who have succeeded at this company. I am grateful that Walmart gave me an opportunity, saw my potential and has supported and challenged me throughout my career.

Noemi Rios

East Dundee

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