BENTONVILLE, ARK., May 1, 2007 – Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. Vice President and Regional Manager Gisel Ruiz has been named as one of Hispanic Business Magazine’s 2007 Elite Women. Each year, the magazine honors 20 notable Hispanic women who are making significant contributions in business, public service and academia. Ruiz was selected because of her dedication and significant contributions to the company’s success, as well as her ability to turn challenges into opportunities.
Ruiz began her career at Wal-Mart as an assistant manager trainee in 1992 and was promoted through the ranks, holding various field management positions. Today she serves as a regional general manager for the southwest region, where she is responsible for store operations and personnel at 109 Wal-Mart stores in West Texas.
“We are very proud of Gisel’s accomplishments, and we will continue to provide opportunities for women like her to succeed inside and outside the workplace,” said Wal-Mart Senior Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer Charlyn Jarrells Porter. “Our company’s success would not be possible without the contributions that valuable associates like Gisel make to our company every day.”
Wal-Mart embraces diversity and has a long tradition of supporting all cultures in all facets of its business. The retailer remains an employer of choice for more than 154,000 Hispanic associates and more than 826,000 female associates.
“I’m proud to work for a company that offers broad advancement opportunities for both women and minorities,” said Ruiz. “Whether it’s offering industry-leading career training programs and creating opportunities for growth, or providing a network of support, Wal-Mart is committed to the women within our company.”
As a result of its diversity initiatives, the company has received a number of accolades and honors. In 2006, Wal-Mart was named one of the “50 Best Companies for Latinas to Work for in the United States” by LATINA Style magazine for its programs and advancement of Latina professional working women. In addition, Hispanic Magazine recognized the retailer for the third year in a row as one of its “2006 Corporate 100 Best Places for Latinos.”
About Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (NYSE: WMT)
Every week, more than 127 million customers visit Wal-Mart Stores, Supercenters, Neighborhood Markets, and Sam’s Club locations across America or log on to its online store at www.walmart.com. The company and its Foundation are committed to a philosophy of giving back locally. Wal-Mart (NYSE: WMT) is proud to support the causes that are important to customers and associates right in their own neighborhoods, and last year gave more than $270 million to local communities in the United States. To learn more, visit www.walmartfacts.com, www.walmartstores.com, or www.walmartfoundation.org.