Zulema

AGE: 21 POSITION: Kids and Baby Merchandising Specialist
EMPLOYER: Old Navy
DATE EMPLOYED: May 2021

Zulema learned about YJC during her senior seminar class at Curie High School, where YJC staff shared more about the opportunities we could provide students after high school. One of the programs that sparked Zulema’s interest was Old Navy’s This Way ONward (TWO). She knew TWO was the best fit for her - she had never worked before and liked that YJC offered specialized training to help prepare her for a retail position. 

In May 2021, Zulema enrolled in TWO and began training to become an Intern at Old Navy. Zulema learned she was hired a few days after her Old Navy interview!  

Zulema went into her first day nervous. She had never had a job before, and working in retail can be “scary sometimes.” Zulema describes herself as somewhat shy, and talking to customers was outside her comfort zone. However, after a few weeks on the job, she became more comfortable and natural at customer service. At the end of her internship, Zulema was excited to be offered a permanent, part-time position as a Brand Associate at Old Navy. 

After working over a year as a Brand Associate while being a full-time college student, Zulema was promoted to a full-time Senior Lead, Customer Operations position. She excelled in this role, and within nine months, Zulema was promoted to a Kids and Baby Merchandising Specialist position in 2023. She shares that she is grateful for the opportunities YJC provided her, and she never imagined she would find a role she was this passionate about. In addition to working at Old Navy, Zulema is finishing her Associate’s degree at Richard J. Daley College and plans to transfer to a four-year university to obtain a Bachelor’s degree. 

Congratulations on your promotion, Zulema! The YJC team is proud of all you have accomplished.