Johana Orellana: Striving for Greatness and sharing her #MejorContigo, Better with You, journey.

Rebirth With J.R. Martinez

Johana Orellana immigrated to this country when she was 9 years old from El Salvador. As a young girl she had aspirations of having a career in a leadership role. Becoming a young mom at 19, detoured her path but gave her a new perspective. She could be a great mom and show her daughter that she could still be successful in her career. She had the opportunity to start her Walmart career as a temporary associate supporting the Health and Wellness Center. Fast forward 7 years later, Johana is a senior project manager and has participated in various volunteer type roles that have become second nature. She currently co-leads the LatinX Network Connect Pillar for the 2nd year in a row. She also leads a cross-functional team of associates from Walmart Store Ops, Merchandising, and Technology.

Johana is currently back in school due to Walmart’s Live Better U program. Under the program, Walmart subsidizes the cost of higher education, beyond financial aid and an associate contribution equal to $1 a day, removing barriers to college enrollment and graduation. Walmart stands for the Hispanic pursuit of a better life by helping create a stable foundation and by removing obstacles from their path, demonstrating that we are #MejorContigo, we are truly better together. I am truly inspired by Johana’s drive and determination and look forward to sharing her journey with all of you.

Key Takeaways

• Johana shares her story and her background.
• By her parents immigrating to the United States, they sacrificed a lot for Johana and her siblings to have a better life.
• Johana talks about the challenges she faced at 9 years old as a recent immigrant to the U.S.
• How did Johana get her start at Walmart?
• Johana set a 5-year plan that if she wasn’t happy, she had to go somewhere else. Well, 7 years later, and she’s still going strong in her career
• It is so hard to go back to school as a single mom that’s also working full time. She has an accountability partner to help her keep going.
• Education is important. You have to keep learning to continue to be a good leader for others.
• Johana shares the important work she’s been doing within the LatinX community.
• 47% of the participants in the Live Better U are associates of color. Walmart is hyper focused in delivering tools to underserved communities.

Continue On Your Journey

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