Through scholarships and hands-on training, the NRF Foundation provides the skills and resources needed for life-changing careers. The NRF Foundation Honors is the catalyst to make it happen. Once a year, we enjoy honoring our peers for their great accomplishments which have shaped the industry, we recognize retail’s top students, partners, and leaders. But we know our greater mission is to continue making retail a great place to start and a great place to grow.
Mecca Mitchell, Senior Vice President at Burlington Stores, is one of those champions helping us make it possible. She oversees the Burlington Stores Center of Excellence. This encompasses Leadership & Organizational Transformation, Culture & Community Impact, Learning & Development, and Associate Engagement & Event Management. Her role is deeply rooted in fostering growth and development within the organization and the broader community, aligning closely with the mission of the NRF Foundation.
Mecca Mitchell became engaged with the NRF Foundation when she was invited to join a panel discussion during the NRF Foundation Student Program. The focus was on leveraging Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) to drive business and support talent. Mecca reflects on the experience, telling us “The initial interaction opened doors to many more opportunities to contribute and learn. The NRF Foundation has been a significant part of my professional journey.”
After her initial involvement during the Student Program, she has become a champion of the work of the NRF Foundation, from participating in RISE Up, speaking at Emerging Leaders, to being honored on The List of People Shaping Retail's Future. Mecca tells us “My involvement has been extensive and rewarding.”
During her time on The List of People Shaping Retail’s Future, Mecca was asked about her leadership philosophy, where she said “We should always be learning, growing, honing, reimagining and in many cases rethinking the way that we lead.” Her work year-round to support the NRF Foundation is a testament to her commitment to do so.
We asked Mecca why she feels compelled to continue to support the NRF Foundation Honors each year. The NRF Foundation hosts high-caliber events that have a profound impact on our industry. From student programs to the Emerging Leader Summit, these initiatives are crucial for attracting, developing, and supporting future retail leaders. Investing in these areas is the best investment we can make, and the NRF Foundation continues to enhance and advance these efforts.
Attending the NRF Foundation Honors is always a highlight for me. It's an annual opportunity to celebrate the great work being done, highlight noteworthy initiatives, connect with dynamic early careerists and students, and network with my peers. It's a time of reflection and inspiration.
Looking ahead, I see the NRF Foundation making the most significant impact by investing in the workforce of the future. The retail landscape is rapidly shifting, and workforce and workplace expectations are evolving. Having the right people in the right places with the right skills will be critical in navigating these changes.
For those interested in being involved with the NRF Foundation, I suggest taking the time to review the NRF website, connect with NRF Board members or representatives, and attend NRF-related events. This will provide a better understanding of the breadth of work the NRF is engaged in and how you can contribute.
The initial interaction opened doors to many more opportunities to contribute and learn. The NRF Foundation has been a significant part of my professional journey.
