Giant Food’s Town Center location in Sterling, Virginia, is celebrating a success story that began with a simple idea: offering free English classes to its frontline employees. The program, launched in 2023, was designed to give workers the language skills they need to serve customers confidently and to open doors for advancement within the company.
From birthday clerk to department leader
Johandra Rivas remembers her first day on the job as a deli clerk – it also happened to be her birthday. A little more than a year later, the 26‑year‑old is now the assistant deli manager, overseeing the entire department. “Yeah, I’m the boss,” Rivas laughed, noting how the English classes helped her communicate with shoppers and take charge of the aisle.
Rivas, originally from Nicaragua, has lived in the United States for three years. She told Giant Food that she wanted to move up and asked her manager what she needed to learn. Before the classes, she would often look for another employee to translate a customer’s request. Now she can answer directly, saying, “Hey, yeah, I can help you. Come on, I can show you.”
How the program got started
The idea was born when Anne Louis, Giant Food’s human‑resources business partner for 20 local stores, noticed a diligent deli employee who seemed ready for more responsibility but might struggle with the required food‑safety exam. “That’s your only concern,” Louis recalled. “Look at her. She’s a great worker.” Louis presented the concept to her boss, Maribel Dichard, a director of human resources, who embraced it enthusiastically.
Finding a qualified teacher proved challenging. After two years of searching, Louis partnered with the Loudoun Literacy Council, and the first classes began in 2023. Each course runs eight to ten weeks, with hour‑long sessions and small groups so the instructor can give individualized attention.
Results that matter to the business
According to Louis, the investment is paying off. “Out of 35 associates, at least 17 have been promoted into full‑time positions or department‑manager roles,” she said, calling the program a clear success. Graduations are treated as VIP events, with the human‑resources director, district team, store managers, and assistant managers gathering to honor the graduates.
Louis likened the experience to a mother watching her children grow: “You’re just so excited and proud of them.” She encourages other companies to follow Giant Food’s lead, noting that the language training benefits both employees and the bottom line.
Impact on the community
Beyond the workplace, the program supports the broader Sterling community by helping immigrant workers integrate more fully and contribute to the local economy. By equipping employees with the confidence to interact directly with customers, Giant Food improves service quality and fosters a sense of belonging among its diverse staff.
Rivas summed up the spirit of the initiative: “If I could do it, you can do it too.” Her story illustrates how a faith‑centered, family‑focused employer can lift individuals, strengthen families, and reinforce the values that keep neighborhoods thriving.
Original reporting: Alexandria, VA News – WTOP News — read the source article.
