In 2016, 20 recipients were chosen to receive a full-tuition scholarship to University of Phoenix through NRF's Dream BIG scholarship, learn their inspiring reasons for going back to school. https://nrf.com/career-center/scholarships/dream-big-scholarship

1. CLASS OF
SCHOLARSHIP
TOP REASONS RETAIL
EMPLOYEES WANT TO
GO BACK TO SCHOOL

2. nrf.com/url
To Further Their
Careers In Retail

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Class of 2016
Item Setup Specialist
The Kroger Co.
Degree: Bachelor’s
LORI SAVAGE
Retail is more than just
selling products and services to
the public. It’s also about
interacting with the community
and making a difference in the
lives of the people who visit
your stores every day.

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Class of 2016
Procurement Coordinator
The Container Store
Degree: Bachelor’s
KEVIN JACKSON
The camaraderie in a
retail environment is
one that I don’t think
you can find in any
other profession.
Coworkers truly work
as one unit, no matter
the assigned
position.

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Class of 2016
Administrative Assistant
Walgreens
Degree: Bachelor’s
CONSUELO BELTON
I am a problem solver, but I
dream of becoming an innovator
as well…I want my career in
retail to feed my natural
curiosity and challenge my
analytical abilities.

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Class of 2016
Merchandiser
Journeys
Degree: Bachelor’s
KINA ALBRITTON
As I climb the
ladder to success
from the store level
to corporate level,
I am committed to
furthering my
career.

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Class of 2016
Store Sales Director
Fred Meyer
Degree: Bachelor’s
NICOLE HEIDEN
As a student of the industry, I have
come to love retail. There has been
no shortage of opportunities for me
to grow, and the more I grow and
develop, the more I give back to
others in the industry.

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Sales and Service Manager
West Elm
Degree: Bachelor’s
FRANKIE ISRAEL
When I think of my
dreams in retail, all I can see
is the impact I can make on how
the world views retail. I dream of a
retail world where clients are excited to
know how and where products were made,
encouraging international cooperation
through the trade of goods, and
creating a sense of home when
anyone walks into a
retail space.” Class of 2016

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Class of 2016
Lease Administrator
H & M
Degree: Bachelor’s
MICHELLE MIRANDA
I dream to
be successful. I dream
to be a role model.
I want to live knowing
I took the chances
that were provided to me
and I put the work in.
I dare to
dream BIG

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Class of 2016
Associate Buyer
Beall’s
Degree: Master’s
AMBER GRACE
I never want to be content in
doing the bare minimum. To me,
that is not an asset. The retail
industry is always changing, and
I want to do my part in making
sure that I am changing and
growing with it.

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To Make
Mom Proud

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Assistant Buyer
Burlington Stores
Degree: Master’s
ROSA BAZAN
Class of 2016
“My mother has taught me the
value of hard work and the
ability to advance through
engaging in learnings and
fearless determination.”

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Class of 2016
Recruiting Analyst
Nordstrom
Degree: Bachelor’s
SHANDACE LERMA
“I am eternally grateful to have such a
wonderful example of how to take care
of others, chase your dreams and leave
a legacy of greatness.”

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Class of 2016
Associate Store Team Leader
Whole Foods Market
Degree: Bachelor’s
KRISTI MALICOAT
“Today my mom is my best friend.
Finishing my degree would be one of
the proudest days of her life. “

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Class of 2016
Sr. Training Lead , Stores
Crate & Barrel
Degree: Master’s
ELIZABETH MURPHY
“As a leader in business, I try to exhibit
these same qualities I admire most in
my mother. I am passionate about
personal development and learning
within our organization.”

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Class of 2016
Store Manager
EXPRESS
Degree: Master’s
BRITTANY PFLEUGER
“My mother is my biggest motivation
to get my master’s degree. She
continuously encourages me to better
myself and never give up.”

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To Turn Their
Retail Dream
Into a Reality

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Class of 2016
Recruiting Supervisor
The Kroger Co.
Degree: Bachelor’s
BRANDI MCKINNEY
GOAL: To make a long-term,
meaningful impact on
company operations.

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Class of 2016
Executive Assistant
dressbarn
Degree: Bachelor’s
REBECCA KITTLE
GOAL: To establish a wellness
consulting service.

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Class of 2016
Assistant Store Manager
vineyard vines
Degree: Bachelor’s
RACHAEL KUCHAR
GOAL: To improve the
lives of associates and
customers throughout
the company.

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Class of 2016
Assistant Manager
maurices
Degree: Bachelor’s
DANIELLE DAVIDSON
GOAL: To inspire employees to
continue to learn and grow by
finding new and innovative ways
of making learning on the job
exciting.

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Class of 2016
Regional Human Resources Manager
bebe Stores
Degree: Bachelor’s
HEATHER HILTON
GOAL: To build learning
platforms and mold the
future of the brand.

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Class of 2016
Recruiter
MyEyeDr
Degree: Master’s
ROSA WILLIAMS OYENEYE
GOAL: To develop a talent
acquisition strategy that will
support the company as we continue
to grow within the industry.

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Class of 2016
Business Analyst
Pier 1 Imports
Degree: Bachelor’s
SHELLEY WARDEN
GOAL: To have a Leadership
role in training associates.
®

25. The National Retail Federation collaborates with University
of Phoenix to offer the Dream BIG Scholarship to retail
employees who want to enhance their careers through
education. Recipients receive a full-tuition scholarship
to help them pursue their big dreams.
www.nrf.com/dreambig