Canadians might not know Shena Tulloch personally, but they’ve likely felt her impact.
“I told our leadership how I wanted to shop at places where I felt represented, and I didn’t necessarily want to have to do that at a competing retailer,” Shena recalls. “I wanted to shop at Walmart.”
As a merchant, Shena plays a pivotal role in ensuring that the products offered at Walmart Canada align with the expectations, motivations, and preferences of customers, working closely with suppliers to bring that to life. In particular, Shena has played a leading role in ensuring that Walmart offers customers products that reflect the true diversity of local communities.
In her personal life, Shena is passionate about different causes, focused on paving a better way for her daughters and wanting to impact change. She challenged herself to bring her authentic self to work and, together with a team of other associates passionate about making a change, began commissioning local artists to create artwork reflecting current social issues. Integrating this artwork onto product offerings such as tote bags and apparel helps to amplify awareness of the social issues – and gave a platform to local artists.
This was only the start:
Leading by example, Shena held presentations with colleagues on conscious bias and how to show up as allies – both inside and outside of work. She also looked for ways to merge social issues, culture and inclusion into her day-to-day, seeking out partnerships with woman-led businesses, small businesses and businesses run by diverse groups.
“Offering products that resonate with the communities we serve is one way we can use our size and scale to make a difference,” said Alex Freeborn, Director of Culture and Inclusion at Walmart Canada. “Shena has been the driving force behind Walmart Canada’s inclusive merchandise offerings for days of significance throughout the year and we’re grateful for the passion she brings to her work.”
While the program began with a grassroots approach with Shena reaching out directly and cold calling artists, a year later she now receives messages from artists across the country keen on working with her and Walmart Canada to tell their story.
“This whole project has been meaningful to me. Every artist I’ve met, every story I've heard has been so moving and fulfilling,” says Shena. “The feedback has been so positive, and we hope to continue building on this foundation in the years to come.”
Most recently, Shena led a collaboration with Toronto-based contemporary artist, Saffron Francis who drew inspiration from her Trinidadian-Canadian heritage to design Walmart Canada’s exclusive International Women’s Day t-shirts and tote bags. Proceeds from each shirt will be donated to the Canadian Women’s Foundation to support programs for women, girls and gender-diverse people.
Learn more about the work Walmart Canada is doing to create a culture of belonging in our workplace and for our customers here.
