Safeway celebrates Pride Month

June is Pride Month, a time to recognize and celebrate the contributions and achievements of the LGBTQ+ community. Let’s hear from one of our great store leaders as we celebrate Pride month. Meet Larissa Rubio, Store Director of the La Playa Street Safeway in San Francisco.

Tell us about your journey with Safeway:

I began my career as a Deli clerk in August of 2000 at the Safeway store on Webster St. in San Francisco. Walter Soria, who took the time to mentor me, played a crucial role in my professional growth. He promoted me to a Person in Charge (PIC) and later to 2nd Assistant Store Manager, all within the same store. In 2007, I attended the Retail Leadership Development (RLD) program. I’ve managed stores across San Francisco and since 2017, I have been the Store Director at the Safeway on La Playa St., San Francisco.

What does it mean to you to be a member/ally of the LGBTQ+ community?

I am an immigrant from El Salvador and my life partner, Nelly, is an immigrant from Mexico.  Despite her coming from a more traditional and religious family than mine, we discovered each other and formed a family.

Back in our home countries, our paths might have never crossed. However, being in San Francisco, surrounded by the supportive LGBTQ+ community, allowed us to build a family without any restrictions. It’s a privilege to be part of the LGBTQ+ community and the Associate Resource Group for LGBTQ+ rights. Through these platforms, we can educate and support those who come from different countries and backgrounds.

As LGBTQ+ individuals, we have the right to love whomever we choose and to create families just like anyone else. Love knows no boundaries, and our journey is a testament to that.

Safeway is a proud sponsor of the San Francisco Pride celebration. What does Safeway’s support mean to you?

I appreciate Safeway’s support for Pride in San Francisco and companywide. Many members of the LGBTQ+ community still struggle to openly express their feelings and emotions, especially when they fear rejection from their families and friends. As a large company and equal opportunity employer, Safeway has the potential to positively impact these individuals’ lives.

How do you celebrate Pride Month?

In my younger years, I would celebrate almost every weekend of the month with friends by heading to Castro St. and Dolores Park in San Francisco, especially the day before the San Francisco Pride parade. These days, I gather with friends, along with our families, and I enjoy participating in the parade while walking with Safeway.