This week, an Asda colleague based in Manchester, Rukia Hussain, picked up an award at the 2016 Worldpay everywoman in Retail Ambassadors Programme.
At an awards ceremony held at the Langham Hotel in London, Rukia Hussain, Fresh Replenishment and Production Manager was awarded the accolade by a select panel of 14 distinguished business leaders from the retail sector.
The Worldpay everywoman in Retail Ambassadors Programme shines a spotlight on women inspiring others and role models across the sector’s female talent pipeline. The programme also recognises the companies who place importance on championing inspirational female role models and the vital role they play in motivating colleagues.
Rukia was one of 12 women selected to become an ambassador of everywoman in retail, at the age of only 22. In her acceptance speech. Rukia said: ‘It is an honour and privilege to be recognised as a retail ambassador. I couldn’t be more proud to be representing Asda, a company that truly champions women and their growth. I couldn’t have done this without the support of my Asda colleagues who have given me numerous development opportunities to help me achieve my aspirations.”
Rukia’s journey started at the age of 16, where she got her first part time job at the Asda Hulme store in Greater Manchester. Rukia then went onto University whilst still maintaining her part time role with Asda. In 2013 she graduated with a 2:1 and made the decision to stick to her retail passion and join Asda full time.
By the age of 22, Rukia had become the fresh trading manager in Asda Hyde. She had 84 colleagues in her team of which were split out into 6 different areas of the store. Rukia’s remit now brings in over £250,000 of sales per week for her store and has now added to her impressive résumé with the addition of the George and GM sections of the store.
Rebecca Lythe, Chair of Asda’s gender diversity group, said: “It is brilliant to see such a young talented woman progress through the business, and it was great to watch Rukia collect her well-deserved award. At Asda we are passionate about women reaching their career ambitions and Rukia is a great example of what our colleagues can achieve with the right attitude and support.”
Andy Evans, General Store Manager at Farnworth and mentor to Rukia, said: "Rukia has a great presence among the colleagues in our store. She has run group development sessions for colleagues in her store and is currently mentoring a section leader from another store, all in addition to her everyday job."
ENDS