McDonald's Honors Its Crew on 1 in 8 Day
On January 8, McDonald's commemorates a special occasion known as 1 in 8 Day, recognizing the millions of past and present Crew members integral to its success and community impact. Did you know that one in eight Americans has worked at a McDonald's restaurant? This statistic symbolizes a shared experience connecting over 40 million individuals across the nation, making it more than just numbers—it's a testament to McDonald's role in shaping careers and fostering community.
Celebrating 1 in 8 Day
The first-ever 1 in 8 Day is a celebration of the workforce that has shown commitment and skill for more than 70 years. McDonald’s aims to honor Crew members by celebrating their accomplishments and contributions, as they have been the heart and soul of McDonald's restaurants worldwide.
To celebrate, McDonald's is not just organizing local events but also introduces the
Arches and Ambition: 1 in 8 Mentorship Program. This innovative initiative will take place through a four-part series on YouTube, showcasing the journeys of Crew members as they connect with successful former employees across diverse fields such as entrepreneurship, cooking, fashion, and sports.
Building Skills Behind the Counter
Under the Golden Arches, Crew members learn essential skills pivotal for personal and professional growth. From working as a cohesive unit to enhancing problem-solving capabilities, the training received does not merely apply to fast food but lays a foundation for lifelong achievements. This established training system is designed to ensure that Crew members can transition smoothly into any career path they choose.
Mentorship Spotlight
Each episode of the mentorship program shares unique stories:
- - Jade Colin (New Orleans): As one of the youngest Black women to own a McDonald's franchise, Jade mentors Justin Hicks, a current McDonald's manager aspiring to become an entrepreneur. Their focus is to enrich the city's business landscape together.
- - Chef John Liu (Los Angeles): The Michelin Bib Gourmand-awarded chef collaborates with Abby Robles, a baker and current McDonald's manager. Their partnership culminated in a special luncheon where Abby had the chance to work as Chef John's Sous Chef.
- - Tamy Idrobo (Milwaukee): This fashion designer and stylist teamed with aspiring actress Marie Perez for a creative session. They discussed how their skills in arts intersect with their experiences as Crew members, enriching both their artistic realms and personal growth.
- - Nigel Sylvester (Queens, NY): Professional BMX athlete and creative director, Nigel guides local photographer and Crew trainer Brijanna Crawford through the creative process of his merchandise inspired by the spirit of the 1 in 8 community.
These stories emphasize that with ambition, foundational skills, and community support, the possibilities for personal growth and success are limitless.
A Message of Pride
Myra Doria, National Field President of McDonald's USA, shared her pride in the 1 in 8 community, mentioning, "Programs like Arches and Ambition create opportunities for our Crew members to visualize a brighter future." These connections help cultivate the ambitions of the new generation of leaders, showing that they too can thrive.
Get Involved
Want to join the celebration? Here are ways you can show support:
- - Watch and share the Arches and Ambition series on YouTube.
- - Use #1in8Day to share your personal stories on social media, adding to the collective journey of the 1 in 8 community.
- - Visit your nearest McDonald's and thank the Crew members for their hard work and contributions by sharing a “nugget” of appreciation.
With this initiative, McDonald's is taking monumental steps to honor its history while investing in the future of its Crew members.