Ask April Wilson what makes a great company event, and she will not start with logistics. She will tell you it is about connection.

April joined Family Dollar as Travel Manager almost a year ago, working out of the SSC (Store Support Center) in Chesapeake, Virginia. She brings a wealth of knowledge, having built her career in travel and event planning across multiple industries before joining the team at headquarters. But her philosophy on what actually builds culture at an event goes far beyond checklists and timelines. "It brings together different mindsets, camaraderie, and team-building activities where gaps are bridged," she says. "Where people connect who wouldn't normally cross paths in their workday."

That belief was shaped by one standout memory from her past role: planning an annual company meeting that pulled people together from every corner of the organization, not just to attend, but to help build the event itself. "There was this larger connection and involvement to put it together from a multitude of teams," April recalls. "The result was a collaboration of different strengths to make one amazing event. It defined the company's future for the next year as far as connections go."

Bringing That Spirit to Family Dollar

Since joining the team, April has noticed something that surprised her, in the best way. "FD tries in many ways to go above and beyond to spotlight team recognition for the work associates do," she says. "At my first company meeting at Family Dollar, I noticed right away just how over-the-top the recognition was. The leadership team makes sure you cannot walk away without feeling proud of your accomplishments."

She is designing experiences for everyone, corporate associates and store teams alike, and she sees her work as part of something bigger than any single event. "We are rebuilding the culture from what we used to be in the past," April explains. "We are creating a culture and standard as revised as what the company is."

One of her first big projects is deeply personal to the company's story: an offsite event bringing together corporate associates and their families to celebrate the one year anniversary of Family Dollar's restructure. "I want employees to feel celebrated and included in a culture where they have a sense of belonging," she says.

A Culture Worth Celebrating

April was part of the committee behind Spirit Week, a companywide celebration that included stores and the SSC (Store Support Center) alike, with trivia, an ice cream social, and other moments of connection woven throughout. "Every detail was designed with participation in mind, from stores to the corporate office, associates to leadership," she says. "It was a success."

But what has surprised April most is just how diverse Family Dollar's culture already is. "We are not just celebrating differences, we are diverse ourselves," she says. From supporting "Pride in the Peake" to recognizing Women's International Day to Cultural Day celebrations, April has found a company where people are encouraged to come as they are.

"I feel like everything that could possibly be celebrated on a calendar is celebrated here. It really is one of the most diverse companies I have been a part of."

A year from now, April hopes people will describe Family Dollar's culture the same way she has come to see it: a company that embraces every possibility and is worth investing a career in. And with events built not just for associates but with them, that vision feels well on its way.

Ready to become a part of a culture rooted in connection? Find your fit with Family Dollar. Browse open job opportunities here.