Pam, Corporate Food Safety Field Specialist

Based out of Cleveland, Ohio 

Years of Service: 10 years

What do you want people to know about you?  

I am always willing to lend a helping hand

Describe your Giant Eagle career journey and what was the biggest influence on your success.

I began my Giant Eagle career journey after working several years in the manufacturing sector. It has been such a positive change for me as far as personal growth and extremely rewarding professionally. The single biggest influence on my success is the encouragement that I have received from leadership and the motivation to continue learning, growing, and developing my skills.

What do you like best about your work at Giant Eagle?

The supportive “can do” environment.   

What advice would you give a new Team Member to be successful in their Giant Eagle career?

Be open to new experiences and to learn all you can.

Do you actively participate in any Business Resource Groups? If yes, can you speak to your experiences and how the BRG improve the workplace?

I am involved in the B.L.A.C.C. Business Resource Group. It has been an extremely rewarding experience. There is a sense of community with so many Team Members coming together in a supportive environment to share experiences and working toward common goals.  

How do you seek to educate and promote inclusion and diversity in your professional and personal life?

I work to lead by example. I am constantly challenging myself to learn all I can about diversity and inclusion and to approach situations by having an appreciation that all people should be treated with respect.

Name a social justice leader who has been meaningful to you, and why? 

Filmmaker, Ava DuVernay because of the masterful way she can tell a story that focuses on the humanity of Black people. Her films like Selma and 13th allows viewers to see different perspectives and understand the importance of speaking out on injustice and affirming civil rights for all people

What is something about your own family traditions and/or culture that you honor and value? 

I enjoy time spent visiting my Dad’s hometown of Eutaw, Alabama. My dad often told me and my sibling’s stories of how life was for him and his family growing up under segregation. I appreciate the sacrifice my father made when he was 18 to leave everything he knew to begin a new life in Ohio.   

When I look at my son who is 20 years old, it amazes me of what a monumental task that was in those days and the responsibility that he accepted to do better for his family. I am awe-struck thinking of others who came here from other countries not knowing how to speak the language or not having the resources, but their willingness to take a chance to better their lives, not just for them, but for generations to come.

Share your favorite recipe that represents your culture.

One of my favorite deserts to celebrate the holidays with my family is sweet potato pie. There are so many recipes on how to make a good one, but I believe that Chef Crystal’s is one of the best. Her recipe can be found HERE.

Marcus-Jamal, Assistant Meat Team Leader

Grandview Yard Market District in Columbus, OH

Years of Service: 7 years

What do you want people to know about you?

I’m a husband and father of four. I have a passion for cooking and coach my son’s sports teams.

Describe your Giant Eagle career journey and what was the biggest influence on your success.

I began at Giant Eagle as a Meat Cutter and worked my way up to Assistant Manager. The biggest influence on my career is my desire to be at the top.

What do you like best about your work at Giant Eagle?

My customers and my team. I love engaging and making our customers happy. My team is AWESOME!

What advice would you give a new Team Member to be successful in their Giant Eagle career?

I would tell them hard work pays off and to stick with it.

How do you seek to educate and promote inclusion and diversity in your professional and personal life?

I’m really into researching African and African American history and teaching my children. I also have intellectual conversations with my peers.

Name a social justice leader who has been meaningful to you, and why? 

Tupac for his work in the community and his heart – he never backed down and always spoke the truth.

Dr. Sebi because of his contributions to the pharmaceutical work and helping to find cures for diseases through natural resources.

Lastly, T.I., for standing for the people and for using his platform to speak about social injustices.

What is something about your own family traditions and/or culture that you honor and value?

Cooking and family quality time.

Share your favorite recipe that represents your culture.

Fresh greens – kale, collard and mustard greens with a smoked ham hock in a pot of boiling water. Cook it all day and season to your discretion. Just keep an eye on the water, as you don’t want it getting too low.