Wakefern/ShopRite Presents BRAG Scholarship to Centenary College Student
Keasbey, NJ — October 26, 2009 — Wakefern Food Corp./ShopRite once again presented a Black Retailer Action Group (BRAG) scholarship to a deserving student from the New York metropolitan area this year. Nneka Covington, a senior at Centenary College in Hackettstown, NJ, received this award, the recipients of which are chosen both for academic achievement as well as financial need, on Friday, October 23 at the 39th Annual BRAG Scholarship and Awards Dinner in New York City. Wakefern is one of several sponsors at this annual event, which, in addition to awarding scholarships to 15 BRAG Scholars, celebrates the contributions of distinguished executives who have worked to support and empower African Americans to reach their highest professional potential in the retail industry.
Honorees at this year’s award ceremony included Earvin “Magic” Johnson, CEO of Magic Johnson Enterprises, who received the Power of Philanthropy Award and Shaun Outler, GVP of Multicultural Merchandising and Vendor Development at Macy’s, Inc., recipient of the Power of Excellence Award.
“Wakefern applauds the extraordinary achievements of this esteemed group of professionals and the students they inspire to greatness,” said Joseph Colalillo, CEO and chairman of Wakefern Food Corp., the merchandising and distribution arm for ShopRite supermarkets. “Supporting education for and fostering the talent of this next generation of leaders is a privilege for us as we celebrate our second year working with BRAG.”
About Wakefern Food Corp.
From a small, struggling cooperative with eight members – all owners of their own grocery stores – Wakefern Food Corporation has grown into the largest retailer-owned cooperative in the United States and one of the largest employers in New Jersey. The cooperative is comprised of 45 members who individually own and operate supermarkets under the ShopRite banner. Today, Wakefern, the merchandising and distribution arm of the company, and the more than 200 ShopRite stores located throughout New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Delaware and Maryland employ more than 50,000 people.
About Black Retailer Action Group (BRAG)
The Black Retail Action Group, Inc. (BRAG) is a national, not-for-profit 501 (c)(3) organization whose mission is to promote the acceptance and participation of men and
women of color at all levels of retail and related industries. It has remained loyal to its pledge of serving as one of the rare organizations that offer guidance to high school and college students and young professionals entering retail and related industries. To date, BRAG has awarded over 150 scholarships and has honored more than 275 individuals. Its industry acclaimed summer internship program has provided more than 1,000 student interns with professional development and invaluable work experience with leading retailers in the tri-state area.
