People from all backgrounds and experiences have come to Publix looking for a job. Some associates have lived in their communities for generations; others may have transferred to help open new markets. A few made the often-difficult decision to leave their families in other countries with hopes of making better lives in the United States.

More than 159,000 associates make up Publix’s diverse workforce. All associates have opportunities for professional and personal growth and company ownership. For those new to the U.S., a job at Publix may also mean better working conditions and financial stability to help them support the families they left behind in their native countries.

Publix benefits from its diverse associates as well. Having associates with various backgrounds, skills and abilities helps us better serve our customers. Customers can speak to bilingual associates in their native languages, and they can look to associates for advice to continue traditions in their new country.

Although individual cultures may mean big differences, they combine in a melting pot to become part of our Publix culture. Meet some of the associates who have moved from other countries to the United States and are making careers at Publix.

Assistant Store Manager Aissata Deme, #155, Marietta, Ga.

Aissata was born in Senegal, but due to her father’s job, she moved several times throughout Europe, Africa and Canada. She attended the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta — her first time in the U.S. — and decided to move there.

“I fell in love with the culture and the opportunities,” Aissata said. “I moved to Atlanta in 1998 and began taking English classes at Georgia Tech.”

Aissata, who also speaks fluent French and Spanish, needed a way to pay for her education. She was hired at Publix as a front-service clerk, and after a few months, she decided to pursue a career in management.

“I wanted to work for a company that valued its associates and created a promotion-from-within environment,” said Aissata. “I could use my degree in business to help develop future leaders of Publix, and I wanted to make a difference in other peoples’ lives just as my managers had done for me.”

Dignity, respect, hard work, passion, credibility and competitiveness are values important to Aissata and Publix.
“Publix has helped shape me into the person I am today and given me a clear vision and purpose,” she said. “I have the opportunity to express myself, face new challenges and make a difference every day.”

Deli Clerk Panisa Green #698, Lake Mary, Fla.

Panisa moved from Thailand to the U.S. in 2002 and has worked in a Publix Deli since she was hired 2 ½ years ago.

“I heard Publix was a good company to work for, and I’d have a lot of opportunities,” Panisa said. “I like making subs for customers. When they come to the deli, they always make me happy.”

Panisa has a lot to be happy about now. She grew up in a village of 100 homes. There, food was purchased at local outdoor markets on a daily basis. The grocery store in town — a 30–minute bus ride away — wasn’t focused on cleanliness or customer service.

“At Publix, everyone is so nice,” said Panisa. “I enjoy coming to work every day. Every time I walk into Publix, it’s like walking into my home.”

Panisa spoke a little English when she moved to the U.S., but she took classes at the local college to improve her language skills. She thanks Publix for giving her a job where she can serve customers and grow personally and professionally.

“Publix gives everyone opportunities and opens their arms for anyone who wants to work,” she said. “If you work hard, Publix will give you everything back.”

Decorator Carrie Johnson #129, Brandon, Fla.

Carrie worked several jobs in China — among them were owning a makeup store, teaching English and painting — but she never worked in a grocery store. That changed when she moved to the U.S. in April 2011.

“I heard about Publix through my neighbor,” said Carrie. “She had worked for Publix and told me it was a good company with lots of opportunities.”

During her interview, Carrie told her store manager she was an artist and shared some of her paintings. Because there were no openings in the bakery at that time, she was hired as a deli clerk. But, after a few months, she was able to transfer departments.

“Decorating cakes is the closest thing I could find to oil painting,” said Carrie. “I can be creative, and when I see customers’ faces when they pick up their cakes, it makes me very happy.”

Sometimes Carrie misses her family in China, but she appreciates her co-workers who have helped her adjust to living in the states.

“I didn’t know anything about Publix when I was hired,” said Carrie. “Everyone I’ve met — front-service clerks, grocery clerks, my managers — has been a teacher to me. I have a lot of questions, and they’ve all been so patient. Publix is my family here.”

The Hector Family, #246, Deerfield Beach, Fla.

When Publix transitioned to its new uniforms, Front-service Clerk Roosevelt Hector (center), sent some of his old gray polo shirts to his sons James (left) and Wilson (right), who were still living in Haiti.

“My dad told me Publix was a great place to work,” said James. “I knew if I came to the U.S., I would work there, too.”

James’s dream came true — he and Wilson moved to the U.S. in 2010. Less than a year later, James was hired as a front-service clerk, and Wilson was hired a year after that. After a promotion to grocery clerk, James’s new goal is to move into management.
“Publix has good benefits, and everyone is very friendly,” said James. “If you take care of the customers and do a good job, you’ll have opportunities.”

James’s store is located in a neighborhood full of diverse backgrounds, and he enjoys meeting customers from around the world. He says Publix is his first job, and it will be his last.

“I tell my friends in Haiti Publix is a good company — maybe the No. 1 grocery store in the world,” he said. “We always put the customer first.”

Deli Retail Improvement Specialist Ali Polat

A few weeks after moving to Atlanta from Turkey, Ali went shopping at the Publix near his house. He was impressed by the associates’ friendliness and the samples available for tasting. A few visits later, the store manager interviewed and hired him as a deli clerk.

“I was willing to work anywhere but the deli,” said Ali. “I saw how much associates talked to customers and didn’t think I could do the job because I didn’t speak much English.”

The store manager knew listening to customers’ needs and asking questions in the deli was the perfect place for Ali to improve his English. After a few months, he was promoted to a full-time position and decided to pursue management.

“I’ve worked with great managers who cared about me and explained my opportunities at Publix,” he said. “I’m challenged every day to do better than the day before.”

Ali feels a great responsibility to perpetuate the Publix culture and continue building upon Publix’s success and rich history. After all, Publix is his new family.

“There’s not another company like Publix in the world,” he said. “Working in retail is very hard, but it feels so good to help people. They’ll always remember the small things you do for them.”

Publix News Live: International Associates

Watch Publix News Live to meet five associates who have moved from other countries and are making careers at Publix.