New Jersey State PBA and Walmart Team To Support #WHATSMYNAME Foundation

Atlantic City, NJ (November 14, 2023) -- In March 2019, New Jersey resident Samantha Josephson was kidnapped and murdered near the University of South Carolina by an individual impersonating a Rideshare service driver. In the aftermath of this tragedy, Josephson’s family created the #WHATSMYNAME Foundation to provide education on essential ride service safety. A key focus is reminding passengers to always confirm that their driver is legitimate by asking “What’s my name?” before entering the vehicle.

Now, thanks to a collaboration launched today at a meeting of the New Jersey State Policemens Benevolent Association (PBA) board of delegates in Atlantic City, the PBA and Walmart will provide the funding, resources, and reach to kick off a New Jersey-wide education effort in support of the foundation’s efforts.

Funding from Walmart will be used to print large quantities of educational signage, which will then be distributed and posted by PBA members at bars, restaurants, and other places where Rideshare services are frequently used.

“#WHATSMYNAME Foundation is excited and honored to announce a collaboration with Walmart and the New Jersey State PBA,” said Seymour Josephson, Samantha’s father, and president of the foundation. “This collaboration will help bring awareness and education to those consumers who use rideshare vehicles.”

Pat Colligan, president of the New Jersey State PBA, noted: “New Jersey State Policemen's Benevolent Association is proud to partner with Walmart and #WHATSMYNAME Foundation. Our members protect and serve every day, and this will be an extension of that mission. We are honored to help prevent another similar tragedy in memory of Samantha Josephson.”

Jennifer Hoehn, Walmart’s director of public affairs added: “Walmart’s approximately 2.1 million associates – including 24,365 here in New Jersey -- live and work in local communities and we aim to help strengthen and support our resilient communities. This program not only speaks to that commitment, but to the power of supporting groups like the PBA and families like the Josephsons who are truly helping to make a difference.” 

About Walmart in New Jersey Walmart Inc. (NYSE: WMT) helps people around the world save money and live better – anytime and anywhere – in retail stores, online and through their mobile devices. In New Jersey we serve customers at 70 retail units and online through Walmart.com. We are proud to employ 24,365 associates in New Jersey. Walmart supports local businesses, spending $15.3 billion with New Jersey suppliers in FYE23 and supporting 98,161 New Jersey supplier jobs. Walmart continues to be a leader in employment opportunity, sustainability, and corporate philanthropy. In FY23, Walmart and the Walmart Foundation contributed more than $9.4 million in cash and in-kind donations to local nonprofits in New Jersey. Additional information about Walmart can be found by visiting our corporate website and our Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn channels.