I t’s a balancing act Garnes is attempting herself. A huge sports fan, Garnes would typically be supporting the Phoenix Mercury, cheering on college football, traveling and dining out with friends. But this year, she’s spending her spare time more contemplatively. “I’ve had more time to read, and I’ve started meditating throughout COVID. I call it the calm in the chaos,” she said. As role model, mentor and supporter, Garnes has striven to project that calm in this most chaotic of years. She’s worked to create an environment where people can be their best, while allowing and addressing vulnerability in the workplace. “I pride myself on listening to ideas and opinions, creating an environment where all feel valued and respected, so people don’t have that fear of failure,” she said. Bringing her whole, authentic self to the workplace is vital to Garnes. As a Black woman, she takes representation seriously. “The more that you can see people who look like you achieving success, the more it makes you feel that anything’s possible,” she said. “I represent myself and people of color with pride and believe I have a responsibility to help our organization — not just at Fry’s, but at Kroger — to ensure that we’re creating an inclusive and diverse environment for all associates and customers.” Over the past few months, she has been moved by the remarkable ways the community has come together at Fry’s. Team members supporting each other. Customers marching through stores with signs saying, “Thank you!” “It’s been amazing,” she said. “Our purpose is to feed the human spirit and it’s been an uplifting journey to be involved in leading such an amazing group of associates that have stepped up and cared for our communities day after day.” Birthdays, weddings, funerals, graduations — most of life’s milestones involve food. So as the holidays near, Garnes knows Fry’s will be part of celebrating cherished traditions, and also making new ones. Her mom, dad and brother still live in Columbus, while her sister lives in New York. Over the holidays, they come together — sometimes in Arizona, sometimes in Ohio. “It’s the fun of being together, sharing our favorite foods, being grateful and saying prayers prior to eating for all the blessings we have in our lives,” she said. This year, as it celebrates its 60th anniversary, Fry’s is especially honored to serve the community. Many families that typically would go away for Thanksgiving, Hanukkah or Christmas will be starting new traditions. “Fry’s is going to be here for you,” Garnes said. “As people are looking for normalcy during unprecedented times, your local grocery store is as normal as it gets. Being able to see your regular associates that wait on you, or friends in your community — we are honored that we can be a stable force for the community.” “Our purpose is to feed the human spirit and it’s been an uplifting journey to be involved in leading such an amazing group of associates.” NOV/DEC 2020 | 26 | FRONTDOORS MEDIA