A 22-year-old who started working part-time at her local supermarket whilst at college, has won a retail award after rising through the ranks at Asda.

Rukia Hussain, was awarded the accolade at the 2016 Worldpay everywoman in Retail Ambassadors Programme.

The Worldpay everywoman in Retail Ambassadors Programme shines a spotlight on the women inspiring others and role models across the sector’s female talent pipeline. 

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The programme also recognises the companies who place importance on championing inspirational female role models and the vital role they play in motivating colleagues.  

Rukia was one of 12 women selected to become an ambassador of everywoman in retail, and was the youngest selected at the age of only 22. 

Rukia’s journey started at the age of 16, where she got her first part time job the Asda store in Greater Manchester.

Originally from Whalley Range in Manchester, Rukia started working at the Asda store in Hulme when she was also attending Stretford Grammar Sixth Form College.

Rukia then went onto Manchester Met University whilst still maintaining her part time role with Asda. 

In 2013 she graduated with a 2:1 and made the decision to stick to her retail passion and join Asda full time.  

By the age of 22, Rukia had become the fresh trading manager in the store. 

She is now based at the Asda Hyde superstore and her remit now brings in over £250,000 of sales per week for her store and has now added to her impressive résumé with the addition of the George and GM sections of the store.

Rukia Hussain, said: “It is an honour and privilege to be recognised as a retail ambassador.  I couldn’t be more proud to be representing Asda, a company that truly champions women and their growth. I couldn’t have done this without the support of my Asda colleagues who have given me numerous development opportunities to help me achieve my aspirations.”

Rebecca Lythe, Chair of Asda’s gender diversity group, said: “It is brilliant to see such a young talented woman progress through the business, and it was great to watch Rukia collect her well-deserved award. At Asda we are passionate about women reaching their career ambitions and Rukia is a great example of what our colleagues can achieve with the right attitude and support.”

Maxine Benson MBE, co-founder of everywoman said,  “Our ambassadors exude confidence, enthusiasm, energy and ambition – the key attributes that have helped them achieve their status as sector role models. 

"Our judges were struck by their willingness to take risks and their determination to see their ideas realised. We applaud their success and we now task them with sharing their stories, inspiring more women to experience the career opportunities and rewards offered by the retail sector.”