Here, Everyone Belongs: Shantalle Martinez-Gonzalez

Six years ago, after graduating high school, she joined H-E-B while working toward her associate degree. Now, with a degree in art, she uses the skills and knowledge she acquired to create a visually appealing produce department for the customers who enter her store. Because of H-E-B and the creative freedom in her role, she knows she made the right choice to stay and is looking forward to what’s next.

What’s your H-E-B Story?

Right after I graduated from high school, I applied to work at H-E-B and got hired as a bagger. Many of my friends had started working at H-E-B in high school, so I just figured this was the place to be! I was a CSA and cashier for about two years before transferring to Market and working the service counter and Meal Simple. Originally, I was supposed to help cultivate the Meal Simple area, but then I got an opportunity to transfer to the Produce production team, and I quickly fell in love with the work. While it wasn’t initially a permanent transfer, they offered me a position to stay, and I gladly accepted! We started with a pretty small team, but my managers tasked me with helping to grow the department. Now, I’m a Produce Lead and just celebrated six years with H-E-B!

Did you have an experience with H-E-B when you were younger?

When my family moved to Bastrop, we were loyal patrons of another grocery chain.

I was a senior in high school before we stepped foot in our local H-E-B— probably because several of my friends worked there! I remember stepping foot in the store for the first time and just being in awe. I’m originally from Puerto Rico, so walking into H-E-B, coming from a place where they don’t exist, felt like walking into a fantasy land. When I started working at H-E-B between high school and college, I remember feeling so grateful to work for such an amazing company.

What did you go to school for?

While I was working in Market, I got my associate degree in art, and I remember thinking to myself, “Do I want to leave H-E-B and go somewhere else where I could use this degree, or do I stay and build something here?” I love H-E-B so much I couldn’t see myself leaving. Thankfully I didn’t because I’ve had so many opportunities to use my art skills in our Produce department! Cutting and displaying fruit and vegetables may not seem like the most creative job, but for me it was a way to use my eye for design to help build and maintain a visually appealing and convenient Produce department for our customers.

What is your favorite part of your job? And what is the most challenging?

My favorite part of my job is how challenging it is — but in a good way! Every day brings new opportunities for growth and learning. On top of that, there’s a leadership component to my role that has really forced me out of my comfort zone. My team, managers, and leaders are amazing, and I love working alongside them.

How do you feel your contributions are valued?

H-E-B has given me so much creative freedom in the work I do. They provided the tools, resources, and creative license to build a beautiful and functional department for our Partners and customers. When I started working in Produce, and we were growing the department, they asked me, “Do you want to take the initiative in expanding this?” I said, “Yes, please!” It was very validating to be listened to and included in these big conversations with leadership. In those moments, all I could think was, “Wow, I am so happy to be here.”

What is next for you?

To stay here forever! Ideally, my next goal is to be Manager of the Produce department. Then I plan on working towards MIC and store leadership. H-E-B is a big company with many paths to take, and I’m very excited to see what’s around the corner.

What’s been a memorable moment at H-E-B for you?

Well, you can’t really be in an H-E-B commercial and not bring that up when you get the chance! I am so thankful to have been chosen for that unique opportunity — I was so nervous and in awe of the whole experience.

What advice would you give others about working for H-E-B?

Keep your eyes open for new opportunities, take initiative in your work, and allow yourself to be guided and mentored by Partners who are where you want to be — you might just find the best career at H-E-B!