D’Neshia Harmon tried to get hired at Publix for 9 years, and when she finally did at age 25, she almost blew her chance.

“I started calling out or was coming in late. I did not want to lose my job. I realized I had to turn myself around,” D’Neshia said. “I want to be here. And I want to move up. It took everyone being there for me and giving me advice on how to succeed at Publix. I really do appreciate everyone.”

Three years later, she’s moved from part time to full time and in August was promoted to her new role as assistant deli manager at #1610, Orlando, Florida. The former discount-store cashier said she hopes to seize every opportunity to become a store manager one day.

For now, she’s continuing her training to take the next step to deli manager. So far, she’s learned about processing invoices, ordering, scheduling and other business-oriented tasks.

She’s grateful for the person who encouraged her to be open to new opportunities, SQA Test Analyst Steven Tinker (former deli manager). “He saw that I worked hard and was engaging with the customers, and he felt like my personality would fit well being a deli manager. He let me know I could be more than what I was.”

Steven said Publix tries to give every associate a chance to succeed. “I saw an associate who wanted more from life than what she had. She would continually put in extra effort and go above and beyond what she was asked to do. She is committed to success in herself, and thus, committed to success in her career and the success of Publix.”

D’Neshia loves helping her department meet sales goals, build displays and learn about new products. “But people are the most important part,” she said. “Creating bonds with new associates, other teams in the store and the customers has always come easily to me.”

She appreciates that Store Manager Lukasz Blaszczyk communicates with and supports her. “He tells me when I’m doing something wrong, but also lets me know when I’m doing something right. He doesn’t just leave me to fend for myself. If I need help with anything, he’s definitely there.”

D’Neshia is already looking to share advice with others thinking about becoming managers. “Don’t give up. If you want it, go for it. It’s not about how you start but how you finish.”