A FORMER Stretford Grammar pupil, who started working part-time at her local supermarket whilst college, has won a prestigious retail award after rising through the ranks at Asda.

Rukia Hussain, was awarded the accolade by a select panel of 14 distinguished business leaders from the retail sector at the 2016 Worldpay everywoman in Retail Ambassadors Programme.

The Worldpay everywoman in Retail Ambassadors Programme shines a spotlight on the women inspiring others and role models across the sector’s female talent pipeline.

The programme also recognises the companies who place importance on championing inspirational female role models and the vital role they play in motivating colleagues.

Rukia, aged 22, was one of 12 women selected to become an ambassador of everywoman in retail, and was the youngest selected.

Rukia’s journey started at the age of 16, when she started working part-time at the Asda store in Hulme when she was also attending Stretford Grammar sixth form college.

Rukia then went onto Manchester Met University while still maintaining her part time role with Asda. In 2013 she graduated and decided to join Asda full time.

By the age of 22, Rukia had become the fresh trading manager in the store. She had 84 colleagues in her team which were split out into six different areas of the store.

She is now based at the Asda Hyde superstore and her remit now brings in more than £250,000 of sales per week.

In her acceptance speech, Rukia said: “It is an honour and privilege to be recognised as a retail ambassador.

"I couldn’t be more proud to be representing Asda, a company that truly champions women and their growth. I couldn’t have done this without the support of my Asda colleagues who have given me numerous development opportunities to help me achieve my aspirations.”

The everywoman programme recognises the achievements of women excelling at various stages of their retail careers.

The UK’s retail sector contributes £339 billion to the economy and employs some 2.8 million people. Yet while 60% of retail employees in the UK are women, they make up just 20 per cent of retail executive teams and a10 per cent of retail executive boards.