Working between several areas — from purchasing to charitable partners — gives Distribution Program Planner Patricia White a unique opportunity to share the Publix culture. In her role, she’s responsible for optimizing the delivery of products to our warehouses and stores while mitigating any risks. She also helps move the Publix culture forward to new associates by sharing her positive attitude, providing education and mentoring associates.

“We employ a lot of different people with various backgrounds. There’s always something to learn from someone,” Patricia said.

To keep her team working efficiently and effectively, she makes sure all associates understand how their roles fit within the team.

“It’s about showing up and doing your job to the best of your abilities,” Patricia said. “We may think as individuals, our part doesn’t matter, but every person makes an impact. If a project is a success, it’s not my success — it’s our success.”

She smiles as she says, “When we educate people on what they’re doing and why they are doing it, it makes them more valuable to the company and to our customers.”

Patricia explains she’s always asking questions to gain more information about different areas of the business and encourages her associates to do the same.

“My favorite quote from Mr. George hangs in my office and says it perfectly: ‘The aim is to learn all you can about the business to do the best job you can for the customer. It reminds me that educating myself and teaching others helps us, as Publix, to be good stewards to our customers and to the community.’”

And for that, Patricia is recognized as our featured distribution associate for the My Publix, My Part program.