It's her mission to help every employee feel loved & valued
Woman's World|September 16, 2024
When Vanessa Bennett became manager of the Grand Rapids, Michigan, Walmart, she encouraged her staff to work as a team, to always help one another. And in true team spirit, when she discovered two staff members were deaf, she learned American Sign Language and sparked a ripple of camaraderie
Diane Herbst
It's her mission to help every employee feel loved & valued

On her first morning as manager of the Walmart in Grand Rapids, Michigan, in September 2022, Vanessa Bennett, 28, gathered her staff together to introduce herself. She soon noticed a man and woman, who she would learn were married, using American Sign Language. Her first thought was: How are we going to communicate?

“Do you read lips?” she asked, and the man, Ali Ibrahim, 42, who has some speech, replied, “A little bit.” He then held up his cell phone and, using words and hand motions, asked Vanessa to put what she’d like to say into texts. Ali’s wife, Maryam, 40, deaf and mute, looked on as the pair exchanged messages.

Still, Vanessa realized how much easier it would be if she knew sign language. Not only would it improve communication, but she also wanted the couple to feel welcome. And suddenly, Vanessa blurted out: “I want to learn sign language. Can you help me?”

A sign of respect

Ali first joined Walmart in 2018, stocking shelves, while Maryam taught sign language at a school. After the COVID-19 pandemic shut down the classes, Ali encouraged her to come work with him. She joined him at Walmart in 2021.

Ali and Maryam, refugees from Iraq who arrived in America in 2010 and the parents of two teenage sons with hearing, were touched by Vanessa’s desire to learn sign language. No other manager had ever expressed interest. That morning, Ali showed Vanessa ASL apps on her phone. But the couple wasn’t sure she’d actually follow through.

Diese Geschichte stammt aus der September 16, 2024-Ausgabe von Woman's World.

Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.

Diese Geschichte stammt aus der September 16, 2024-Ausgabe von Woman's World.

Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.

WEITERE ARTIKEL AUS WOMAN'S WORLDAlle anzeigen
Let spooky 'leftovers' help others!
Woman's World

Let spooky 'leftovers' help others!

From unopened candy to jack-o'-lanterns, we have a few feel-great ways to give Halloween goodies a second life!

time-read
1 min  |
November 11, 2024
Creamy & so dreamy
Woman's World

Creamy & so dreamy

Our easy no-bake filling makes this beauty a breeze to whip up

time-read
1 min  |
November 11, 2024
"Help! How do I heal a family rift?"
Woman's World

"Help! How do I heal a family rift?"

With one in three people experiencing family estrangement, we asked experts how to address this sense of loss and consider reconciliation

time-read
2 Minuten  |
November 11, 2024
Look gorgeous for $15 or less!
Woman's World

Look gorgeous for $15 or less!

Not only are these drugstore makeup products affordable, they've also gone viral on social media recently—and for good reason. Learn why they're worth adding to your cart!

time-read
1 min  |
November 11, 2024
'Sugar fat' disappears
Woman's World

'Sugar fat' disappears

Baker Jayne Jones' treats can help lower blood sugar and shrink belly fat 650% faster

time-read
7 Minuten  |
November 11, 2024
"Magnesium helped me sleep!"
Woman's World

"Magnesium helped me sleep!"

After struggling for almost a decade with debilitating insomnia, Kendra Jarratt finally discovered an inexpensive natural remedy that has her sleeping more soundly than she has in years

time-read
2 Minuten  |
November 11, 2024
Soothe sciatica pain naturally
Woman's World

Soothe sciatica pain naturally

Excess pressure on the sciatic nerve can cause a tingling, burning or shooting sensation that radiates from the lower back through the buttock or leg. And when you're in the middle of a sciatica flare-up, your priority is getting relief ASAP. To speed healing, just...

time-read
1 min  |
November 11, 2024
Itchy scalp? 3 ways to get rid of dandruff
Woman's World

Itchy scalp? 3 ways to get rid of dandruff

Dandruff is a sign of seborrheic dermatitis, says dermatologist Heather Woolery-Lloyd, M.D. \"This causes scales, flakes, itching and redness on the scalp,\" she says. It may be a reaction to a type of yeast found on the skin, adds dermatologist Rosanne Paul, D.O. Here's how to treat it

time-read
1 min  |
November 11, 2024
She helps fill the bellies & hearts of military families!
Woman's World

She helps fill the bellies & hearts of military families!

Army wife Monica Bassett's heart hurt when she saw a social media post from a military family who couldn't afford enough food. So she decided to start a pantry to make sure the loved ones of our heroes never go hungry!

time-read
3 Minuten  |
November 11, 2024
"Every day is an opportunity to grow!"
Woman's World

"Every day is an opportunity to grow!"

At just 11 years old, Candace Cameron Bure won our hearts as D.J. Tanner on Full House, and for the past 37 years, she's continued to delight millions with her feel-good movies and unflappable faith. But her journey hasn't always been easy. Here, Candace opens up about her battle with depression and how she finds hope

time-read
3 Minuten  |
November 11, 2024