Behind the scenes of the United Way campaign — one of Publix’s most successful community campaigns — is Manager of Associate Services Greta Dupuy. She is also involved in her community through organizations like Junior Achievement, Lakeland Volunteers in Medicine, PACE Center for Girls, the Polk State College Foundation and the Academy of the Holy Names. Greta is involved in local fundraising events like the Lakeland Derby — which provides people access to doctors at no charge — and READ Lakeland’s Kiss the Pig for Literacy campaign — which helps raise money to teach basic reading and writing skills to adult learners.
Publix News sat with Greta to chat about her role and what she loves most about her involvement within the community.
When did you start your career at Publix?
GD: I started at Publix in 2003, shortly after graduating from the University of South Florida. I was a retail staffing specialist in our Jacksonville Division, and in 2005, I transferred to Lakeland and made this city my home.
What do you love most about your community?
GD: The city of Lakeland has truly shaped who I am, how I live my life and how I treat others every day. This city and its people have big, charitable hearts.
What motivates and drives you to give back?
GD: Seeing that positive change, the end result, is what drives me to do more. I credit the way I was raised by my parents and the Academy of the Holy Names — the all-girl Catholic high school I attended — for the emphasis I place on investing in my community.
What is your role in Publix’s United Way campaign?
GD: In my current role, I have the honor of managing the campaign’s planning and organization. I’m proud to say Publix is the third-largest United Way donor in the world, behind UPS and Wells Fargo.
For Greta, the culture Publix perpetuates in our operating area is what drives associates and customers alike to help their communities and serve where they can. She hopes to see the Lakeland community continue to grow and become more diverse, bringing people from different age groups, races, backgrounds and religious beliefs together to make a positive impact.
In January, Greta received the Love Lakeland CityMaker Award for being a champion of community initiatives and inspiring others to love Lakeland.
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United Way recognizes Publix
1990 – Publix becomes part of the United Way of America’s National Corporate Leadership program.
1996 – Publix wins the Spirit of America Award.
2012 – Publix receives the United Way Summit Awards for Philanthropic Engagement and Community Impact.
2014 – Publix is honored as a United Way Outstanding Strategic Partner.
