This Pride Month, our associates are sharing their stories and how they foster a culture where people feel seen, supported and connected year-round.
“Fostering a culture of belonging means ensuring every associate feels seen, supported and connected. During Pride Month and throughout the year, we are proud to stand with our LGBTQ+ community at Walmart, celebrating their contributions, providing meaningful resources and creating spaces where everyone can thrive. Together, we are building a workplace where all associates know they belong.”
— Vanessa Smith
Vice President of Global Associate Experience
"As someone who was raised in a small town where there wasn’t a lot of room made for belonging, I decided to make it my mission to make room for it wherever I went. I spent a lot of time hiding myself and being scared to be different from everyone else and only after being more open and unapologetic about who I am did I realize I’m not as alone as I once felt. Speak the truth, even if your voice shakes and you’re scared, you never know who is listening or plans to follow in your footsteps. When I foster belonging in my store through posts, posters, events, spirit weeks and things like that, I am hoping that at least one person — even just for their day at work — can feel like they belong somewhere and that they are surrounded by people who love and support them."
— Samuel (he/him)
Walmart Entertainment Team Associate
"As a straight, white female, you may wonder why I feel the need to share my story of belonging. My background may not differ from many of you. I was raised in a small town with very narrow views on everything. Now, I want to learn and understand everything I can about everyone who may be different than me, embracing all walks of life. I became an advocate. I became a supporter. I became a cheerleader. I became an ally."
— Kelly (she/her)
Walmart Business Strategy
"I am a 25-year associate. Here at my store, I also have the pleasure of being the store’s Belonging champion. Through the love and acceptance of this store and my previous store, I have been supported in my journey of coming out as a lesbian, finding my life partner and eventually marrying her. Through sharing my journey, I have helped others find their path in life and find their genuine selves."
— Holly (she/her)
Walmart Auto Care Center Coach
"I wanted to get more involved with Pride/LGBTQ+ support as an ally, so I joined the Pride Associate Resource Group leadership team in 2021 to take over the Building Allies program. Since then, I’ve been proud of the engagement we’ve driven throughout the Walmart Home Office, field, supply chain, etc. It’s been rewarding to see the interest in Building Allies grow and see first-hand how associates appreciate the 'safe' conversation space when discussing such sensitive topics and experiences."
— Benjamin (he/him)
Walmart Marketing
"I started at the Walmart Home Office without a degree and minimal experience at the age of 19. Walmart fostered an environment for my skills, experience and education to excel past my wildest dreams. Ten years later, I have earned my bachelor’s degree through Walmart’s Live Better U program, received my Certified Professional Coding certification, and continued on to pursue my master’s degree that I completed this year. Walmart provided an opportunity to me that I would not have otherwise accomplished. I was a teenager without a plan that stumbled upon an opportunity that grew into a career. For that reason, I am an ambassador for Walmart focused on ensuring that everyone that walks through our doors is given the same grounds for opportunity. Anyone at any age, any level of experience, any ethnicity, any background, does belong here, and I am an example of that."
— Ashleigh Perea (she/her)
Walmart Health & Wellness
"I wanted to become a Belonging champion because I have lived in the San Francisco Bay Area for 15 years. During this time, I have built many connections with San Francisco Pride and other organizations and individuals in the LGBTQ+ community. I aim to leverage these connections to make Walmart Connect an even greater place to work and have fun! In San Bruno, I help foster a community of belonging by organizing events and sharing news about the community with our associates. Additionally, I am helping to facilitate other belonging initiatives for the San Bruno location."
— Jonas (he/him)
Walmart Connect
Read more stories of belonging at Walmart.
