Meet Ashten, Store Leader at Green Market District

Today marks the beginning of Black History Month, an annual recognition of Black achievements and contributions throughout a challenging American and global history. This month, we’re recognizing Black History Month by honoring the intersection of food and Black culture. We're excited to introduce you to Ashten, Store Leader at our Green Market District in Uniontown, OH.

What do you want people to know about you?

I love to learn. Although I have reached my current career goal as a Store Leader, I am also a student pursuing a degree in Industrial/Organizational Psychology.

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

I began my career journey as a Cashier. I worked my way up through the Front End department before becoming an Assistant Cash Office Team Leader when we opened the Portage Crossing Market District in Cuyahoga Falls, OH. From there I continued to move up, becoming a Sr. Front End Team Leader, a Trainer on Special Projects, Senior Team Leader and finally, a Store Leader.

The biggest influence on my success is an equal combination of motivation and support. Being able to self-motivate is key because no one else can want you to achieve your goals more than you do, but having a strong support system is crucial. In difficult situations, support from my social surroundings helps me overcome setbacks and master challenges.

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 currently participate in the Women’s BRG and B.L.A.C.C. BRG and am the Secretary of the latter. I believe that our business resource groups give Team Members an opportunity to find one more way to belong in the organization, be a part of something more, and provide charitable support in our communities.

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

Something I value about my own family traditions is their simplicity. For example, growing up we always ate dinner together as a family at the dining table. It was a way to remain connected, prioritize time with each other despite everything else each of us was committed to such as work, school, church, and other extracurricular activities. It’s a tradition I continue to pass on with my own family.

What effect do you think food has had on Black culture?

Food is one of the main ways we continue to celebrate Black culture. It’s more than a title of a certain dish and what it tastes like, it’s what it represents: past, present, and future.

Is there a recipe that you resonate with that reminds you of Black History Month? If yes, please share the recipe below.

Three words. Macaroni and cheese.

What are some things we could do to help end food insecurity?

Grow our Giant Eagle Mobile Market and continue to focus on areas most in need
Community gardens. Rather than store gardens, actively participate in community ones.
Food apps. Find ways to connect individuals to food that would otherwise be thrown out in grocery stores. Users are notified when a store has excess food; they simply claim the food they want and pick it up at the counter just as any customer would, eliminating any stigma attached to receiving a food donation. Apps such as Food for All are offering discounted restaurant food that would otherwise go to waste.