By - July 1, 2026

A place to belong; a purpose to serve

Deli Clerk Marynelly Rodriguez, known to most as Mary, brings passion and pride to her role every day while serving customers at #1421, Titusville, Florida.

Originally from Venezuela, Mary moved to the U.S. in 2018 with a clear goal in mind: to build a better future for herself and her children.

In 2023, Mary joined Publix in search of stability and good benefits.

“I’m a single mom, and I needed a company where I could work and still be there for my kids,” she said. “I heard Publix was a great company, and I believed if it was meant to be, they would call me.”

When that phone call came, Mary knew she had found the right place. As she learned more about the store, she didn’t hesitate to choose the deli.

“Everyone told me the deli was the hardest department, and that’s why I wanted to work there,” she said. “I wanted the challenge.”

Her confidence comes from experience. In Venezuela, Mary owned a small market. This background inspired her to approach her role with an owner’s mindset and a strong understanding of quality, timing and customer service.

In the deli’s hot case, she applies those skills daily, focusing on production, presentation and consistency. Her co-workers know they can rely on her leadership and work ethic.

In addition to her dedication, Mary’s bilingual skills in English and Spanish allow her to connect effortlessly with customers and associates, ensuring everyone feels welcome and understood.
“I love helping people,” she said. “Here, my work has purpose, and that’s something I’m proud of.”

Looking ahead, Mary hopes to continue growing her career with Publix and exploring new opportunities within the company. With her daughter also working at the store as a front service clerk, Publix has become a place where they are building their futures together.

Publix is a family — a big, 260,000-person one — with backgrounds from across the country and around the world. This article is part of a series featuring associates from a variety of backgrounds, age groups and cultures, and we love sharing their successes. We hope our articles help you learn a little more about your fellow associates who make up our Publix family.