Bakery Manager Rebecca Oram, #53, Hollywood, Florida, was only 15 when she started working in the bakery in 2010. But even then, she knew Publix had all the right ingredients to make her future career.

“At the time, I just wanted to learn as much as possible,” Rebecca said. “I was in school and worked other jobs, but I always had a passion for Publix because it gave me my start.”

Rebecca left Publix for a short time to work for a few small bakeries and learn more of the science behind baking quality products. She returned 5 years ago, bringing her new experience with her and sharing it with her fellow associates.

“I wanted to return because of the many career opportunities available and the quality products we offer,” she said. “It’s hard to find that versatility of products at other, smaller bakeries. Publix bakeries have a good representation of product.”

In the future, Rebecca is interested in becoming a bakery retail improvement specialist (RIS). She frequently works with Bakery RIS Everra Robbins at store openings and shadows training sessions for assistant bakery managers and assistant store managers. She challenges herself to keep learning by reading reference and procedure guides and being well-rounded in the bakery.

According to District Manager Kris Crapo, Rebecca excels at evaluating products to make sure they meet the Publix standard before they’re placed on the sales floor. And, she consistently uses the knowledge she’s gained to train and develop her bakery associates to best serve customers. Her hard work has paid off. Prior to the coronavirus pandemic, her store showed double-digit sales increases. This dedication to quality, combined with her focus on investing in her bakery associates, is why Rebecca is recognized as a My Publix, My Part difference maker.

“She embodies the Mr. George quote that ‘Publix will be a little better place to work, or not quite as good, because of you,’” Kris said. “Publix is definitely a better place because of Rebecca. She leads with a servant’s heart.”

Rebecca said the best part of her job is the chance to do something different every day — from developing relationships with her customers to creating an environment of teamwork with her associates by building trust and focusing on team results.

And just like her customers, Rebecca can’t help but love our products. A true Floridian, her favorite Publix product is our Publix Bakery Key Lime Pie.