For Muriel Lawson, leadership isn't just about a title or a seat at the table. It’s about a simple, powerful belief: if you are blessed, you should be a blessing.
As the Store Manager of a local Publix in the West Florida region, Lawson was recently honored with the Mr. George Community Service Award. This recognition stands as one of the most prestigious accolades an associate can earn, directly reflecting the values of the company's founder, George Jenkins.
The award is reserved for leaders who don’t just manage but truly serve—carrying forward a legacy of humility, selflessness, and a "people-first" philosophy. For Lawson, being named a recipient was more than just a professional milestone; it was a deeply personal validation of her commitment to her team and the West Florida community she calls home.
“Receiving this award means more to me than I can put into words,” Lawson says. “To be recognized in a way that reflects Mr. Jenkins’ values of giving and community means everything to me. It represents servant leadership—the idea that our priority should always be putting people first. It’s a daily reminder that the small things we do truly matter.”
Passion born from experience
Lawson’s drive to help others didn't happen by accident, and it isn't just a part of her job description. Her heart for service is rooted in her own life experiences. She has seen firsthand how quickly life can change and how much it matters to have a community that stands by you during tough seasons. This perspective has shaped her into a leader who leads with empathy rather than just authority.
“I’ve always believed that if you are blessed, you should be a blessing,” she explains. “There have been seasons in my life where I’ve seen how quickly circumstances can change. During those times, I saw how much community support matters. That shaped my heart. I never want someone to feel alone when help is possible.”
This personal mission is what drives her every day, whether she is walking the aisles of her store or meeting with community leaders. She understands that behind every person who walks into her store, there is a story, a family, and perhaps a struggle that isn't visible on the surface. By leading with this mindset, Lawson has transformed her role from manager to community advocate.
Leading from the aisles to the community
At Publix, Lawson leads a team of nearly 200 associates. In an industry that often focuses on efficiency and bottom lines, Lawson has cultivated a different kind of culture. She sees her store as more than just a place to buy groceries; she sees it as a hub for hope and a pillar of the West Florida community.
Under her leadership, her team doesn't just work—they serve. Lawson uses her platform as a manager to encourage volunteerism and model what service looks like in action. She knows that when a leader shows up for their community, their team will follow.
“As a store manager, that position gives me influence—and I take that seriously,” Lawson says. “My store is not just a business; it’s part of the community. I see the impact of our partnerships every time we support a United Way campaign, donate food, or champion a local school initiative. I see associates get excited about helping, and I see customers who are truly grateful. It’s not just a donation—it’s hope in action.”
By weaving service into the fabric of the workday, Lawson is teaching the next generation of leaders that success isn't just about what you achieve for yourself, but what you contribute to the people around you.
Strengthening community roots
While her work at Publix is her primary platform, Lawson’s impact extends far beyond the walls of her store. As a member of the United Way of West Florida Board of Directors, she helps guide the organization’s mission to improve lives and create lasting changes in the community.
Serving on the board is a responsibility she holds in high regard. It allows her to move from local action to regional strategy, helping to decide how resources are used to help families in need. Along with her award, Lawson received $5,000 to donate to a charity of her choice. Demonstrating her dedication to the community she serves, she chose to grant those funds to Bright Bridge Ministries, one of United Way of West Florida’s funded partners.
“Serving on UWWF’s board is important because it allows me to help make decisions that directly affect local families,” Lawson explains. “It’s not just about raising funds—it’s about being accountable. It’s about ensuring resources are used wisely to create real change.”
Lawson focuses her efforts on what helps families thrive: education, financial security, and health. She understands that these are building blocks of a stable life.
“United Way of West Florida supports programs that focus on these foundations,” says Lawson. “When families are stable, children thrive. And when children thrive, communities grow stronger. By investing in these areas, we aren't just fixing a problem for today—we are building a foundation for tomorrow.”
Leading the way together
Laura Gilliam, President and CEO of United Way of West Florida, says Lawson is a perfect example of the organization’s vision in action.
“Muriel’s leadership is a living testament to our belief that United is the Way,” Gilliam said. “This recognition from Publix honors the heart she pours into her work, but for us, it’s a celebration of how she bridges the gap between business excellence and community advocacy. She doesn't just show us how to lead; she shows us how to be a teammate for every family in West Florida. Her ability to inspire her team and advise our board ensures that UWWF remains a powerful force for good, and we are incredibly proud to have her helping lead the way.”
Through this partnership, Lawson helps ensure that UWWF initiatives reach the people who need them most. Whether it's through food security programs or connecting people to essential resources through 211, her dual perspective as a business leader and a board member allows for more effective, community-driven solutions.
Building a legacy of service
Lawson’s journey is a reminder that you don't need a specific title to start making an impact. Her story proves that the most effective leadership comes from a place of service and a commitment to the "small things" that happen every day.
Her message to the next generation of leaders in West Florida is simple: don’t wait for the "right" moment to get involved.
“I would tell young people: Don’t wait,” Lawson encourages. “You don’t have to be older, wealthy, or in a leadership position to make a difference. Start where you are. Serve with what you have. Giving back not only changes your community—it changes you.”
As we look toward the future of West Florida, we are guided by leaders like Lawson who understand that our strength lies in our unity. Through her work at Publix and her dedication
to UWWF, Lawson is proving every day that when we come together, we can change lives. For Lawson, service isn't just something she does—it’s a lifestyle, a mission, and the way forward.