By - October 1, 2026

Finding opportunity through growth and support

Produce Clerk Shankar Sitaram, known to his team as Harry, is focused on sharpening his skills and serving customers each day at #827, Holly Hill, Florida.

Harry values the personal and professional growth Publix encourages and says the skills he’s developed help him stay organized — both at work and beyond.

Originally from Guyana in South America, Harry is of Indian heritage and moved to the U.S. in 2024 to be closer to family. Growing up, he spent much of his time with his grandmother.

“She taught me to be kind, respectful and hardworking,” he said. “Most of all, she always told me to stay focused on my goals.”

Though many miles from his home country, Harry has felt supported and included since joining Publix 2 years ago. His managers provide flexibility in his schedule as he pursues his associate’s degree, with assistance from the tuition reimbursement program.

“Publix truly cares about my education,” he said. “The encouragement I receive from my team keeps me motivated and focused on finishing school and planning for my future.”

Looking ahead, Harry hopes to continue growing with Publix and one day become a produce manager. He encourages other associates to take advantage of the opportunities available to them.

“Publix gives you the tools to succeed,” said Harry. “If you commit to learning and growing, the sky is the limit!”


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.