"I came from Mexico City five years ago in 2019 to start my career in the Chappaqua Store as a Team Member in the Meat department. I was a photographer in Mexico City, so I came to Whole Foods Market with little knowledge of meat or the grocery environment. I slowly developed my experience as a Team Member and grew confident enough to assist my leadership. I began Butcher training in 2021, and two years later, I moved to our White Plains store, where I finished the Butcher Apprentice program. A month later, my store leadership promoted me to the Associate Team Leader role in the Meat Department. In my new role, I aided in the Rochester and Jersey City store openings, where I cultivated relationships with some of the experienced Butchers there. I gained tremendous knowledge from them and grew my own cutting skills (I love trimming Tenderloin and Flap Steak). What I like most about being a Butcher is the creativity, how I delight and satisfy our customers and sharing my craft with my son, teaching him the skills I've gained, like the importance of picking a good steak! The Butcher Apprentice program has allowed me to accelerate my career at Whole Foods. Knowing nothing about meat, becoming a Butcher and ATL are accomplishments I never thought I would achieve. I would love to see more women in the Butcher industry. There is a misconception that only men are capable of this work. It's crucial to demonstrate that women also have outstanding skills in this field. Gender diversity in the workplace is not only ethical, but it also drives innovation and business success. Through my experience, I want to empower women and men to overcome barriers and achieve their goals. It is time to recognize and celebrate the contributions of women in the Butcher industry and the world of work in general. By doing so, we not only promote gender equality but we build a stronger, more sustainable future. I'm privileged to be part of the Whole Foods Market family, where growth and learning opportunities are accessible to all Team Members." - Samantha Ramirez, Meat Associate Team Leader #Apprenticeship #Butcher #NourishPurpose #NourishGrowth #TeamWFM
This is really great!!!
Great news! We need women in the industry. And great one too. Focus on the details and pass it on for generations. When I first started, there’s only a couple that I know of very limited. Now I hope it brings a broader perspective and diversity and people that like to strive to achieve challenges in the industry. .
Amazing story Samantha!! You are an inspiration to many! We are lucky to have strong female leaders like you in the department 💪🏼
Over 30 years ago I had a gal working for me(I was an Albertsons market manager), she wanted to better her career and learn to cut and perhaps become a manager. Long story short, I got transferred and my replacement decided she needed to stack the meat loads and work harder. That jackass guy ruined a great woman's confidence and her career. She quit a year or so after my transfer. I was pretty disgusted that she was not better protected.
As a retired meat manager for Albertsons/Safeway I can say I’ve had the great experience of working with and helping several women in the meat cutting industry. My cousin started me at a Vons grocery store that she managed 35 yrs ago. Its good to see that you’ve had progress with Whole Foods and the programs they have in place to train new meat cutters. Good luck with your career.
This is a beautiful and inspiring story. #womeninbusiness #anyonecandoit
That’s how I got started in the business, keep growing.
Love this
Congratulations Samantha. What a great WFM growth story!
Whole Foods Market - Perishables Purchasing
1moAmazing inspiring story and message to the industry a large. This post made me proud, as this covers multiple factors. Hispanic, women and leadership. Way to put this high in the map Samantha. “Si se puede”. The sky is the limit…keep on keeping…