There's a certain kind of quiet power that comes with truly believing in someone and seeing their potential before they can see it themselves. For Tishshera Mitchell, Manager of Talent Acquisition at Family Dollar, that belief isn't just a professional philosophy. It's personal.

Rooted in Purpose

With 20 years of recruiting experience, Tishshera's journey began in a call center environment where she naturally gravitated toward the hiring process, shadowing interviews and supporting hiring managers until curiosity turned into a calling. After more than a decade in financial services recruiting, she walked through the doors of Family Dollar as a Corporate Recruiter and hasn't looked back.

But if you want to understand what drives her, you have to go back further. Back to her grandmother.

Her grandmother was poised, polished, and firm in one belief: no matter the role, from janitor to CEO, you show up and give your best. She saw something in Tishshera early, telling her she was destined to do great things and encouraging her to stay determined and follow through. And perhaps the most lasting lesson of all? In her 60s, after raising her family, her grandmother went back to school to finish her degree. No door is ever permanently closed.

The Skill She Built on Purpose

Long before she had a team to lead, Tishshera was intentionally developing what she considers her greatest strength: the ability to build genuine relationships.

"I think my ability to connect and be relatable is one of my strongest assets. It makes others open up and feel comfortable and life is hard enough. I'm not here to make it harder."

That philosophy shows up in everything she does. It is the key she uses to open doors for others and the foundation she has built her career on.

The Promotion She Is Still Taking In

When Tishshera was promoted to Manager of Talent Acquisition, it was a moment of validation that still resonates with her.

"When you come into a new environment, you first have to prove yourself and they saw that in me early on at Family Dollar. It was a great feeling to know I was able to make an impact quickly."

What's remarkable is how naturally the transition to leadership came. Rather than feeling out of her comfort zone, Tishshera found that leading felt like an extension of who she already was. A new door had opened, and she stepped through it with confidence. She is not removed from recruiting. She is now in a position to develop her team, expand their exposure within the organization, and make an even greater impact on the business.

What She Looks for in Candidates

As a recruiter turned leader, Tishshera has a clear perspective on what true potential looks like and it doesn't always show up on a résumé.

"Recruiters tend to assume. I'd rather have an open conversation, really hear candidates out, understand their end goal, and see the potential in them even if they don't check every box. Sometimes they just need that chance."

She has received calls from candidates months later, thanking her for opening the door and advocating for them through a process they might not have made it through otherwise. Those are the moments that remind her why the work matters.

Advice She Wishes She Had Heard Sooner

For anyone at Family Dollar who is in their first role and eyeing the next big opportunity, Tishshera's advice is both honest and freeing.

"Don't take professional feedback personally. We are our own worst critics. Receive it, don't internalize it, and turn it into something positive. Trust the process. Things will happen when they are supposed to."

The right door will open. And when it does, walk through it with everything you have.

Every great career story starts with someone believing in you and taking a chance. At Family Dollar, that someone could be you. Visit our careers page to explore opportunities and open your next door: careers.familydollar.com