Employer Spotlight: Dawn at Sobey’s

Dawn started at Sobeys on a cash register, working the till while she studied Early Childhood Education at the Mount Royal University (MRU). She kept going, on both fronts, studying Community Rehabilitation at the University of Calgary (U of C) and working her way up the ranks to General Manager of the Nolan Hill location, where she now oversees 101 employees. She hires the way someone who came up through the floor would.

Gateway first approached Dawn to run mock interviews for participants. She said yes, then kept saying yes: job shadows, mentoring, a standing place in the Gateway community. Getting to know her, it was clear those activities were just a glimpse of who she is.

Dawn is a problem solver. She seeks out her staff’s perspectives, involves them in the solutions, takes the time to build rapport, and creates a workplace people are comfortable in. She recognizes the potential in every employee, and that approach has led to Gateway participants being hired at Sobeys and growing in their roles. She doesn’t just accommodate what someone needs; she goes further, making sure they have the resources and support to succeed. Gateway’s Employment team stays in it with her too, partnering on accommodations, on-the-job support, and planning when it’s useful.

That way of managing has a ripple effect. Because Dawn attends Gateway events and shares how she does it, other employers working on their own inclusive hiring and retention have a real example to learn from.

Gateway helps employers recruit, train, and retain people with disabilities, at no cost, with screening, matching, onboarding, and accommodation support. If you’re an employer, you can partner with Gateway