Digby, Nova Scotia is well-known for its world-class beauty and quintessential Maritime charm. The ‘Scallop Capital of the World’ has a booming seafood industry but if fishing isn’t your thing, job opportunities can feel limited in a town of just 2,000 people.
That’s why, when Walmart opened its doors in Digby in 2005, it opened more than just a store, it opened a door to possibility. For local resident Lori Denton, it was the start of a career that’s now spanned nearly 20 years. Several promotions later, today, Lori is the store’s Total Loss and Compliance Manager, overseeing health and safety, asset protection and loss prevention.
“I make sure everyone follows the rules,” said Lori. “Basically, I’m in charge of keeping both associates and customers safe in our stores.”
When Lori first joined Walmart, she was raising a young family. Today, her children are adults and she says it’s been the perfect place for a working parent.
“Walmart has been able to help me give my kids a good life,” said Lori. “They care about their associates and always accommodated me when I needed to do something for my children.”
Growing up in a small Nova Scotian town, Lori never really thought about diversity. In the early years, it wasn’t a main focus for her family, until Lori’s daughter Kristina, as a teenager, began embracing and exploring her African Nova Scotian heritage. It opened Lori’s eyes in ways she hadn’t expected.
When Kristina entered high school, she joined The PREP Academy, a provincial non-profit community-based organization that inspires and prepares African Nova Scotian high school students for college, university and beyond.
Kristina was paired with a ‘student success coach’ who worked with her every step of the way - through high school studies, university planning and any other challenges that pop up in a teenager’s life. PREP also connects students with real-life role models to show them what’s possible.
“Representation is very scarce here in some fields,” said PREP Founder & Executive Director Ashley Hill. “You can’t be, what you can’t see. You can have dreams and aspirations for what you see on TV but it doesn’t actually become real until you see someone that looks like you who’s done it.”
With PREP’s support, Kristina discovered a passion for public relations and earned a scholarship to Mount Saint Vincent University. Now in her second year, Kristina is not only excelling in her studies, she’s getting relevant work experience with PREP as the organization’s full-time Fund Development Intern.
During one of her first projects, Kristina worked on a province-wide Walmart Canada grant where 16 Walmart stores in Nova Scotia donated a total of $16,000 to support PREP’s free programming, which relies on funding from its partners to cover operating costs.
“It’s a really great full circle moment,” said Kristina. “It’s amazing to see that PREP has such a good reputation in the community that a company like Walmart recognizes and supports our mission.” Ashley says community donations are a beautiful way of everyone wrapping their arms around students. The donations help fund travel, university applications and program that shape students’ futures.
“PREP changed my life. It has meant the world to me. I don’t know where I’d be without them,” said Kristina. “My coach and the workshops shaped the most important year of high school and put me on the path I’m on today.”
Kristina says she’s proud of Walmart’s support—but even prouder of her mom.
“My mom always believed in us and encouraged us to reach for the stars. PREP gave me the tools, but she gave me the dream!”
