Citi Trends’ Post

Today, someone asked me about work and asked if the job change made me happy. I looked the asker in the face and blankly said, “honestly, I don’t know.” You see, early in my career at Walmart, I was a single mom with full financial responsibility for my two amazing daughters. I was determined to find a way to give my ladybugs the freedom to take advantage of any of the amazing opportunities our community offers to kiddos. But that meant I needed to learn how to advance and excel at work so I could make more money. I quickly learned the behaviors Walmart appreciated in its Associates and began mastering each (as if my life depended on it) which led to 5 promotions in 6 years. I was proud of what I was able to do in my career and for my kiddos. What I didn’t realize is that my approach and my hustle had led to Assimilation. “Assimilation is the process through which individuals or groups adopt the cultural norms, values, and behaviors of another group, often leading to the gradual loss of their original cultural identity.” The realization about knocked me over when I finally realized that my identity (safety, friendship, love, belonging, esteem, and potential) were all tied up in Walmart. The sad and scary truth was, I had no idea who I was without Fortune One. So, I held my breath, closed my eyes and courageously quit my job and found a new one the same day. I spend a lot of time uncomfortable now, because I’m figuring out who I am as “Mariah Freaking Newman” and I don’t have Walmart or Walmart expectations to hide behind. But a wise man once told me that growth doesn’t happen in the comfort zone:). #CareerChange #PersonalGrowth #SingleMom #WorkingMom #CareerAdvice #LifeLessons #SelfDiscovery #SuccessStory #CorporateLife #WorkLifeBalance #Inspiration #Motivation #WomenInBusiness #Empowerment #Resilience #GrowthMindset #OvercomingChallenges #BreakingBarriers #FindingYourself

Championing Diversity and Inclusion: Driving Positive Change in Retail and Hospitality 🌍🤝 Diversity and inclusion (D&I) are not just ethical imperatives but strategic advantages in the retail and hospitality sectors. Here’s how leading companies are implementing effective D&I initiatives: 1. Starbucks: Known for its commitment to inclusivity, Starbucks regularly conducts bias training and has initiatives aimed at hiring refugees and people with disabilities, enhancing the diversity of its workforce. 2. Marriott: This hospitality leader has been recognized for its diversity efforts, including extensive programs to support women and minority-owned businesses, and fostering a global culture that celebrates diversity. 3. Sephora: After its inclusion workshops, Sephora launched a new range of products catering to a diverse customer base, demonstrating how inclusivity can drive innovation. 4. Hyatt: Committed to an inclusive environment, Hyatt has initiatives like the diversity business resource groups that encourage employees from all backgrounds to share their voices and perspectives. Industry Hiring Insights: With a clear shift towards more inclusive business practices, there is a growing demand for D&I officers and specialists in the retail and hospitality industries. Companies are increasingly looking for professionals who can cultivate an inclusive workplace culture and drive policy changes that benefit all employees. How is your organization embracing diversity and inclusion? To know more about job openings in the Hospitality and Retail sector, check the comments section below. 👇 #DiversityAndInclusion #RetailIndustry #HospitalityLife #InclusiveCulture #CareerOpportunities #ArbeitNexus

In celebration of Women’s History Month, we are shining a spotlight on some of the amazing women we have working for us at Citi Trends. Ursula is a Senior Merchandise Planning Manager who is passionate about analyzing data to help make decisions that will positively impact the business. Here is what she shared with us.   Q: What do you love most about your job? A: There are 3 aspects that I love about my role as a Senior Manager, Merchandise Planning: 1.     I absolutely love to analyze data and it is great to see data points turn into actionable strategies. 2.     Early in my career, I sometimes felt unsure and uncertain about business approaches, so being an effective leader that invests time in team development, mentorship and coaching is very important to me to train/develop the new generation of merchandise planners. As my tenure within Cititrends, I have had several team members that have been promoted under my leadership. 3.     Providing top notch customer service.       Q: What challenges have you faced in your career? A: With the ever-changing economic conditions, it is often different to project how those challenges affect the retail business. However, effective trend analysis helps me make the best decisions to positively impact the business.   Q: What has been your most meaningful accomplishment so far? A: Seeing people that worked on my team succeed in their career. I love fostering potential and promoting team members.   Q: What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned throughout your career? A: The most important lesson I have learned is to advocate for yourself. No one knows your full potential more than yourself and you must have the confidence to speak up and knowledge to back it up.    Q: What advice would you give someone who has just graduated from college and is starting their first job in their desired field? A: I think it is important to be open. Explore internships within different industries to find your passion and fit. Once you find your true passion, it won't feel like "just a job," it will be your true career! #CitiTrends #womenshistorymonth #womenempowerment #careeradvice #LiveBold

Today marks my 4-year journey with Walmart Global Tech, and I am feeling truly blessed and deeply grateful. Being a part of the Talent Acquisitions team here has been an enriching experience, as I've had the opportunity to support diverse business groups such as Health & Wellness Technologies, Data Ventures, Retail Technologies, Search and Personalization, Technical Program Management, Information Security, and International Ecommerce, among others. What sets Walmart apart is its steadfast commitment to doing what's right. The company's core values - Service to the customer, Respect for the individual, Strive for excellence, and Act with integrity - are not just words on a page. They are lived by every day, in every action we take. Working here isn't just about being part of a company. It's about being part of a culture that truly cares. A culture that you don't just see, but feel at every moment. I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to each and every member of my Talent Acquisition team, our diligent operational staff, and most importantly, our business partners. Your selfless cooperation and seamless teamwork make even the most complex processes seem effortless. Here's to many more years at Walmart Global Tech, a place where work isn't just work - it's a commitment to doing what's right and making a difference. #WorkAnniversary #Gratitude #LifeAtWalmartGlobalTech

Everyone's path to success looks different and School of Business and Information Technology Purdue Global is happy to be a part of that journey! #purdueglobal #purdueglobalproud #schoolofbusiness

Today is my two year anniversary at Sainsbury's and how quickly it’s flown by.    I had no experience of retail when I joined and it’s quite unlike anything I’ve ever worked in before. It might say retail on the tin - but I’m forever hopping into many different areas whether it’s tech to finance to logistics to campaigns for colleagues in store.    It’s a business where innovation isn’t actually a buzzword, it’s just everywhere, all the time. There’s no I can’t, it’s 'how can I do it'. It’s where we push, really push our colleagues and partners to be their best, to think outside the box. I say we work at pace all the time, but actually we do. There is always something happening, something going on and its just amazing. Its big on the outside but inside, its warm and friendly. People everywhere, no matter how senior they are always have time for you. It’s just different here.   It’s been two years of pushing boundaries and firmly being shoved out my comfort zone. I have fallen flat on my face many times and then had to pick myself up again at lightening speed. It’s a culture of fail fast, learn quickly and be supported along the way. The highs are just as important as the lows. I’ve got a great team around me and even been able to grow my own team. Working with so many colleagues across the business is incredible and being able to meet people across so many different areas has been eye-opening. I have been able to be at the forefront of so many exciting things and I’ve had opportunities to learn and develop that I’ve never had anywhere else.    There is so much more to come this year, and I can’t wait. There is much to do, and so much more to learn. Let’s go 🚀 #lifeatsainsburys 📷 image by linesbyloes of a person reframing the thought process of thinking 'I can't do it' to 'how can I do it' and you will find a way

I worked at Nike I worked at eBay I worked at AT&T I worked at Ramsey And you wanna know something? They’re all the same. Different, but the same. They have their own personality and culture, but at the end of the day, they’re all groups of people just trying to make something happen. They’re all concerned with what the competition is doing. They all deal with the same struggles that come with trying to get hundreds or thousands of people moving in the same direction. They’re all filled with people trying to navigate the internal systems and processes, and live by (or redefine) the company’s spoken and unspoken rules. But you know what? They’re also all places where people can thrive… if they choose to. The people who thrived at each of these organizations were those who had strong agency, believed in the company’s mission, and were willing to lean into their role, and reached beyond their role. They were the people who brought their best every day and felt like they were part of something bigger than themselves. The people who look forward to Mondays are the people who view the problems at their organization as something to be faced head on. They’re people on a mission. It’s not the quiet quitters. It’s not the people looking for work-life balance. It’s the people who embrace being fully present at work and fully present at home. The people who bring their entire selves to work, and hold fast to their integrity. They’re the people who build up their teammates, don’t care who gets the credit, and just want to leave the place in a better state than they found it. These are my people. These are the people I want to connect with, spend time with, encourage, teach, and learn from. These are the people I want to walk alongside. Here’s to all the hard working, growth minded, ideal team players out there who haven’t given up on the idea that work can be rich and fulfilling. Here’s to you, thriving at work!

Appreciation Post!!! 🎉 Today, I want to take a moment to express my thanks to the people who have played an instrumental role in shaping my professional career. It's easy to get caught up in the daily grind and forget the people who have given us a chance or offered support during difficult moments in our career journey. I am truly grateful for those who have believed in me and advocated for my success. Nyk Robertson: You helped me transition into Starbucks, launching my 5-year career with them. Prior to that, I was working in an artist role with no potential for growth. However, you saw my potential and helped me launch my management career. I also miss the crazy days in Boston when we had lines of customers down Faneuil Hall, but we were always able to handle them with a smile on our faces! Nickie Cerda: When we first met, I wanted so badly to rekindle my passion for artistry. I missed being creative every day, and you were the one who believed in me. You helped kickstart my career in beauty retail with NYX Professional Makeup, and I truly appreciated your support. I also loved that you had so much faith in me that you brought me along on our start-up journey with Riley Rose x F21. To even launch a 6K square foot store from ground zero! Learning about the brands was the most fun part of the journey!! Those were some unforgettable days, and I really miss them! Finally...Last but not the very least... Nora Merecicky: Thank you for being there for me during my biggest career transition, when I moved from working in beauty retail malls to becoming an agency recruiter. I went through several rounds of interviews and Nora at Vitamin T gave me a shot. Thank you for your training, guidance, and faith in me! I want to give a special shout-out to the hiring managers out there who are the movers and shakers of the industry. Your willingness to take a chance on someone and provide guidance has a ripple effect on their career trajectory. Let's take a moment to reflect on the people who have helped us along the way and express our thanks. Together, we can continue to uplift and support each other in our professional journeys. #appreciationpost #grateful #professionaldevelopment

Why Lowe’s is More Than Just a Workplace - It’s a Home to Possibility! From the moment I joined Lowe’s, I knew I had found more than just a job. I had found a community that truly lives by its core values. Integrity, customer focus, respect, and a drive to continuously improve aren't just words on a wall; they are principles that guide every decision and action here. These values align so closely with my own that it was a natural choice to make Lowe’s my home to possibility. But it didn’t stop there! My passion for Lowe’s culture has had a ripple effect - both of my sons, Dominic Scalese and Vincent Scalese, have chosen to build their careers here. Watching them grow from associates to Assistant Store Managers has been one of my proudest moments. With Dominic recently accepting his promotion to Assistant Store Manager, and I couldn’t be more excited to see where their journeys will take them next! If you’re ever in the Bel Air or Timonium, MD areas, be sure to stop by the Lowe’s stores there and say hi! You might just meet Dominic and Vincent, who are living proof that at Lowe’s, we’re not just building careers; we’re building futures rooted in values that matter. 🏡 Here’s to many more years of growth, opportunity, and family at Lowe’s! 💙 #Lowe’s #HomeToPossibility #CoreValues #CareerGrowth #FamilyBusiness #Lowescareers

Have you heard the question, “if a tree falls in a forest and no-one is around to hear it, does it make a sound?”. Well, how about, “If you do great work but don’t talk about it, does it exist?!”. It's Career Month at Pepsi Lipton and this week I attended an “I am Remarkable” workshop, joining the global movement to empower everyone to celebrate their own accomplishments in the workplace and beyond. Many of us aren’t used to viewing self-promotion as a positive trait, but it’s a powerful way to take charge of our own narrative and value ourselves vocally for the greater good. Like a lot of people, I find self-promotion hard. While I’m happy to be a hype woman for others and recognise their talents and gifts, when it comes to myself it’s not so easy. Here’s what I took away:  ⭐️ Self-promotion can be empowering. More than that, it’s important – especially for women and underrepresented groups – that we talk about what makes us valuable in a way that others truly hear. It’s also foundational for our self-confidence, wider team morale, and personal career progression that we hear positive things about ourselves – even when it’s us saying them! ⭐️ By embracing self-promotion, we show others that it’s OK for them to be confident in themselves and vocalise that too. For me, personally, hearing colleagues share their “I am remarkable” statements gave me chills of the best kind and made me more comfortable – excited even – to share mine. We are so powerful when we uplift ourselves and others at the same time. ⭐️ It’s not bragging if it’s based on facts. ✋🎤 So go on and try it for yourself. I dare you. I am remarkable because...   #IAmRemarkable Huge thanks to Anastasia Lavrentyeva for leading such an inspiring and engaging session.