Walmart associates showcased their talents and found a sense of belonging at our 2024 Associates Week.
As Associates Week came to an end, a group of amazing performers took the stage and stole their audience’s breath away. No, we’re not talking about Backstreet Boys, Lizzo or Usher — though all these artists performed during the Associate Celebration.
We’re referring to the 2024 Walmart Associate Talent Search (WATS) winners!
Our annual competition is a fun way to showcase the unique artistic gifts of associates from all around the world. Any associate can enter by sending a video of their talent.
“Mr. Sam always taught us that our associates make the difference,” says Jacque Blankenship, Senior Manager of Event Solutions and WATS Program Coordinator. “And this is the way we celebrate our associates.”
This year, 11 winners were selected and invited to perform at Associates Week. These talented associates arrived (some with instruments in hand) in Northwest Arkansas prepared for long days of rehearsals. But the thrill of performing on the big stage at the end of the week? Nothing could have prepared them for that!
The high notes
With practices taking up many hours each day — plus the chance to work with a vocal coach and music director — the crew bonded throughout the memorable week of hard work and fun.
Ultimately, they took to the stage with a high-energy performance that featured spoken word poetry, song, rap, dance, guitar, violin, Native American flute and — most of all — heart!
Juanette Villagomez summed up the mood: “I feel like I'm a superstar!” Nette’s niece, Leischeng Saures (pictured above), even reached an unexpected high with the help of the vocal coach. “I hit that high note,” Lei says, “And I did not know I could do that!”
Read how Nette and Lei celebrate their Pacific Islander heritage through music.
The performance celebrated the winners’ different talents and cultures, but what brought everyone together was the passion each associate has for what they love to do.
“Walmart is big on culture. And we're not just speaking about culture, we are celebrating it” says Tshegofatso Rankapole (pictured above), who works in South Africa.
Tshegofatso opened the WATS performance with a powerful spoken word performance: “We, the Walmart associates, weave this tapestry with threads of smile, care, compassion and service. With each new chapter, we help people live better. We uplift. We shelter. We protect.”
As Tshegofatso spoke, Amagasga Good played a haunting melody on the Native American flute.
And then the upbeat music of Mr. Blue Sky began, showcasing the 11 talented associates and delivering a message of love and hope.
The performance overflowed with positivity and bright smiles. It was clear each associate loved being on stage to share their talents.
“This is what freedom looks like, to be able to express yourself,” says Darius Scarver (pictured above). “Finding joy in the things that make you happy. That’s what Walmart believes!”
“Recognizing associates for things like this they do outside of work is a fantastic idea,” says Amagasga. “Belonging makes a big difference. The WATS program is a great example of this.”
The spotlight awaits!
Are you a talented associate who belongs on the stage? It’s never too early to start planning for next year’s WATS competition.
“To any associate considering entering WATS next year: Take the chance. Don’t be afraid,” Gregory Sams says.
Congratulations to the 2024 Walmart Associate Talent Search winners:
- Amagasga Good, Sales Floor Academy Trainer (Neighborhood Market 7342, Madison, Alabama)
- Tshegofatso Rankapole, Senior Business Analyst (Central Services Office, Sandton, South Africa)
- Oscar Salcedo, Manager, Team and Customer Relationship (Canada Head Office – SSC Toronto, Canada)
- Leischeng Saures, Digital Team Associate (Store 3585, Spring, Texas)
- Darius Scarver, Overnight Team Lead (Store 4407, Montgomery, Alabama)
- Maygan Luque, Implementation Coordinator (Home Office 8852, San Pedro Sula, Honduras)
- Matthew Haggard, AP Coach (Store 0712, Scottsboro, Alabama)
- Madison Rossi, Sales Associate (Store 2850, Hampstead, Maryland)
- Nathan Dill, Senior Meat Cutter (Club 6331, Kenosha, Wisconsin)
- Juanette Villagomez, Academy Coach (Store 3213, The Woodlands, Texas)
- Gregory Sams, Overnight Coach (Store 2881, Kissimmee, Florida)
