Among many other things, Ramatoulaye, or “Rama” to her friends, is known for her merchandising skills that create a sense of theater in her store in the western edge of downtown Chicago. While she sets the stage for product discovery and bigger baskets among the shopper audience, her role as director keeps the show running not just smoothly, but exceptionally.

Metrics are one measure of her success, and the numbers deserve applause. Her store received gold status for in-stock, stocking and shelf conditions and backroom conditions. Rama led sales growth over the past year and regularly beat EBITDA and earnings projections.

In another indication of a standout performance, this store served as the site for the official kickoff of Jewel-Osco’s 125^th anniversary in summer 2024 and, later, for the banner’s signature “MoMents” event. Company leaders also recognized her talent by choosing Rama to serve as a spokesperson for the Jewel-Osco internship program, a role in which she welcomed interns and shared her path with the business.

To maintain momentum among associates on a daily basis, Rama prioritizes training and continually coaches her team to hit goals, improve productivity and deliver the best customer service. She challenges her staff to think strategically and incentivizes them through various recognition and rewards programs. Mentorship is important to this leader, as she helps her team advance in their own careers; she currently has two MIT’s (Manager in Trainee) and one SMT (Store Manager Trainee) and regularly mentors them on their professional and personal progress.

While she helps others, Rama is committed to continual development in her own career and from a holistic standpoint. She serves as the People’s Chairperson for the Jewel-Osco BIND (Black Inclusive Network of Diversity) Associate Resource Group. Outside of work, she volunteers at By The Hand – Club for Kids, where she assists high school students on resume writing and networking skills. She also shares her time at Madonna Mission, a non-profit organization that provides education and resettlement support for refugee individuals and their families in Chicago.

Rama’s interest in interacting with people in meaningful ways is evident in her approach to customer service at the store level. She collaborates with vendors on frequent in-store sampling events and tasting stations to offer an enjoyable shopping experience.

To connect across both the physical and digital space, Rama regularly makes personal calls to ecommerce customers, welcoming their feedback to improve ordering and fulfillment process. And while she could certainly take a bow for often exceeding expectations, she’s more likely to be moving onto the next step to keep her store in Jewel-Osco’s top five locations.