Her Story
About Vanessa
My family has been part of the Walmart family for my entire life - we always say my family bleeds blue because Walmart's color is blue. The way that Walmart's culture is so inspiring to their associates, no matter what level of management or field you're working in, it's really just a big Walmart family. I learned that young and started when I was young, and I knew that I was going to stay with Walmart and work my way up. I've now been with Walmart for 13 years total. I spent my first 9 years in the field, working as an associate and working my way up to manager, and I also did some training content. Then I came to the home office and have been working on inventory accuracy for the past 4 years. I manage initiatives that help get more accurate inventory into our Walmart stores so our customers are happy, and I stay close to our store operations just to keep bettering the business. I'm also recently serving as a councilwoman - I was elected to city council in April. One reason I stick with Walmart is because they get the work-life balance, and they have so many great benefits.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Vanessa
01What do you attribute your success to?
I truly believe that family and faith are what I attribute my success to, for sure. I truly believe that whatever you do, you do it wholeheartedly, as Jesus would do, and I want to show my family I can do that, too. That foundation of faith and family drives everything I do.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I've ever received is: when somebody tells you you can't do it, do it anyways, and show them that you can with kindness. This advice has really shaped how I approach challenges and obstacles in my career, reminding me to stay determined while maintaining compassion and grace.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I think that it's incredibly awesome to be an influential woman. It's an honor, honestly. I've always continued to strive to lead with faith and compassion. You can go a long ways with faith and compassion for just everyone being a human. The purpose in every role I hold is that I'm a wife, mom, and community leader, but I advocate for others. And I hope that my journey reminds other women that you don't have to choose between serving your family and pursuing your passions or what you're wanting to make a difference in. Your voice matters, and leading with kindness and with authenticity, you can leave a lasting impact in both worlds.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
I think that I am trying to balance being new to being a wife, I'm a mom, and I'm currently pregnant. I think that just balancing the work-life balance is a new learning for me, and that's one reason I stick with Walmart, is because they get it, and they have so many great benefits. But for me specifically, it's just learning how to manage all of that and still be successful.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me in my work and personal life are respect, integrity, being true and transparent, and service to others. I believe in being able to serve as I would anywhere else, bringing that same commitment and authenticity to everything I do.
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