After 27 years as a team member in Minneapolis, Tammy took on the adventure of a lifetime when she stepped into the role of president of our Target in India team. Moving across the globe to Bangalore plunged her into an exciting experience that challenged her approach to leadership, family, travel and more.

“I’ve been to dance performances, weddings and family dinners. I’ve learned about the history of India, and its languages, religions, people and cultures. I’ve sat in cafés listening to Sufi music. I’ve taken trips to Mumbai, Goa and Ladahk. And the best part is, I still have a lot more to learn.”

It’s no secret that Vyto, a Food team member at our Minnetonka, Minnesota store, loves animals. So much so that in 2006, he and his wife helped found a non-profit organization, Safe Hands Rescue, focused on saving and improving the lives of companion animals. Since then, he’s dedicated many hours of volunteer service to helping it thrive—from setting up adoption events to hosting hundreds of animals in his own home while they wait to be placed. He’s even driven across the country to take in litters of puppies at a moment’s notice.

Vyto’s teammates love to hear the stories of his amazing adventures in support of the organization. Says his colleague, Brittney, “Vyto is a huge part of this organization’s success, and his selflessness has given so many animals the opportunity to find forever happiness.”

The people in HR executive team leader Joylin’s life empower her to be her best every day. She draws inspiration from the life experience of her mom, a South American immigrant, as well as from the spunk & drive of her aunt. She wants to be sure everyone has a voice, knows their worth and feels confident about not having to conform to traditional roles.

A few years back, apparel designers Stacey, Mari and their colleagues saw an opportunity to create pieces that are more accommodating for guests living with disabilities—including their own kids. Forming a volunteer team outside their normal roles, they researched with guests and took a proposal to Target’s leaders. The result? A new selection of sensory-friendly and adaptive pieces for our Cat & Jack kids’ clothing assortment, with more on the way.

“The Target team has immense passion and collective knowledge, and I love that we’re using it to develop products and solutions that will change people’s lives," Stacey says. "My goal is to keep being an advocate, for my daughter and for others.”

Cotton is an important resource used in many of our products, and we’re working toward a goal of sourcing 100% sustainable cotton by 2022 for our owned and exclusive national brands in apparel, home and essentials. But it’s proven tricky since there’s no industry-standard definition for “sustainable cotton” yet. Lalit, principal fabric engineer on our product design team, and his colleagues set out to change that. To do it, they’re traveling the globe to learn as much as they can about how cotton is grown.

“Target’s decisions have the potential to impact millions of people around the globe, from those who create our products to the families they support and the communities where they live, while also improving the planet.”

Working the checkout area at her store in Overland, Kansas, brings Gulzar plenty of opportunities to get to know our guests as she helps each one complete their Target Run—and some interactions are unforgettable. One day, as she helped a guest at a self-checkout register, they talked for a while. Later that day, the guest brought her mother and sister back to the store … just to meet Gulzar.

"That was a special day. I enjoy talking with guests and learning about their individual stories. I feel like they’re joining my family when they come through my self-checkout line.”

Immigrating from Mexico when she was 21, Julieta comes from a family of women who have a special interest in improving the lives of people of all abilities. In 1977, Julieta’s grandmother opened a school for the blind in Mexico, and now Julieta, a senior product designer, is continuing that legacy by founding a group at Target HQ focused on better representing adults of all abilities in everything from product design to advertising.

After working nine years in the fast food industry, Betty was looking for a new opportunity to use her talents on the job—and the chance to truly feel like part of a team. She found both at Target, taking on the role of Food & Beverage team leader at our Apple Valley, Minnesota, store. Now, she’s using her unique set of skills and interests to lead her teams, own her business and bring guests incredible shopping experiences in the Bakery and Deli.

“My favorite part of the day is first thing in the morning, making the doughnuts and getting all the delicious smells wafting through Bakery," she says. "It’s a great way to welcome our guests in!”