Meet Shoncey, Store Leader and Natalie, HBW Team Leader

As Black History Month comes to a close, we're thrilled to have had this opportunity to introduce you to several Giant Eagle Team Members who have shared how food has influenced Black culture and American Cuisine. To conclude, we're excited to introduce you to Shoncey, Store Leader at Dublin Market District and Natalie, Health, Beauty, and Wellness Team Leader at Portage Crossing Marketing District.

Shoncey, Store Leader

Location: Dublin Market District in Dublin, OH

Years of Service: 2 years and 9 months

What do you want people to know about you?

I am from Sandusky, OH, and I graduated from The Ohio State University in the Fisher College of Business with a B.S.B.A. My wife and I have three kids: Isaiah (17), Joshua (15), and Noah (6).

Describe your Giant Eagle career journey and what has been the biggest influence on your success.
I started out in the Assistant Store Leader Development Program and was ultimately placed at the Dublin Market District as a Store Leader.
The biggest influences on my success have always been hard work, dedication, and supporting my family.
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 an active participate in the B.L.A.C.C. BRG, and I’m currently serving as the Vice President. I was recently selected for this role and so far, it’s allowed me to network with other leaders and make suggestions and improvements to our current work environment.
What is something about your own family traditions and/or culture that you honor and value?
I have a large family. We enjoy holidays and events together, and we like to reminisce and recount past memories.
What effect do you think food has had on Black culture?
Food is a staple in any culture. In Black cultures, there is less of an opportunity to get quality food, which can lead to a higher risk of health concerns.
What are some things we could do to help end food insecurity?
We should continue to support food pantries in local communities.

. . .

Natalie, HBW Team Leader

Location: Portage Crossing Market District in Cuyahoga Falls, OH

Years of Service: 8

What do you want people to know about you?

I'm married with two grown children. I'm originally from Pittsburgh, and yes - I'm an avid Steelers fan. I love going to the beach every year for vacation, and in my spare time, I like word games, shopping, and playing cards with my family.

Describe your Giant Eagle career journey and what has been the biggest influence on your success.
I started my journey with Giant Eagle at the Broadview Heights location and have been at the Portage Crossing Market District for the last three years. I love the Portage Crossing Market District because it has given me the opportunity to work around the best talent and within a very diverse community.
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’m a member of the B.L.A.C.C. Business Resource Group. I had the opportunity to help plan and provide my input for our Black History Month activities. I think the BRG improves the workplace because it’s available to all Team Members, no matter your position or title.
What is something about your own family traditions and/or culture that you honor and value?
While I was growing up, Sunday dinner was huge for my family. It was usually spent at my grandma’s house. It was like having Thanksgiving every Sunday. It’s also where my mom learned the secrets to recipes, and she has passed some of that knowledge to me. In turn my son has gotten a passion for cooking and is an aspiring chef.
What effect do you think food has had on Black culture?
I think comfort food is soul food. The Black community had to do the most with the least, and inferior meats have become the staples to what we eat today. No matter the occasion, food will always be served and in abundance. Our grandparents never wanted to see us not eating.
Is there a recipe that you resonate with that reminds you of Black History Month?
Macaroni and cheese. My recipe is from a book that my mother gave me with recipes from her and other family members.
What are some things we could do to help end food insecurity?
We should be partnering with schools and community centers to teach students about nutrition. I also love the idea of the mobile food pantry that has healthy and fresh food options.