Cordia Harrington: Visionary Baker and Philanthropist Wins 2026 Horatio Alger Award
Cordia Harrington, the illustrious founder of Crown Bakeries, has been honored with the prestigious Horatio Alger Award, which will officially acknowledge her achievements in 2026. This recognition comes from the Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans, Inc., a notable nonprofit organization dedicated to celebrating leaders who have triumphed over adversity while aiding the educational aspirations of young individuals.
Harrington’s professional journey is nothing short of inspirational. Born in Waco, Texas, Harrington grew up as the eldest daughter in a family where hard work was a constant theme, fueled by a stay-at-home mother and a dedicated salesman father. Her entrepreneurial spirit emerged early; by the age of twelve, she established a nursery school in her own backyard, a testament to her ambition and initiative.
Harrington pursued her education steadfastly, earning a bachelor's degree in home economics from the University of Arkansas. During her college years, she balanced three part-time jobs, showcasing her relentless work ethics. Following her graduation, she secured $600 in savings to launch a real estate and construction company, which she later sold to Coldwell Banker in 1989.
Life took a sudden turn after a divorce, prompting Harrington to relocate to Illinois with her three young children. In a bid to start anew, she entered the fast-food business by purchasing a McDonald's franchise. Her strategic thinking shone as she expanded her business by relocating a Greyhound bus station to her McDonald's parking lot, thereby increasing customer traffic significantly.
Harrington's association with McDonald’s deepened as she became a member of the McDonald's Bun Committee, embarking on an arduous journey to convince the corporation to create a dedicated bakery. After four years of perseverance, she succeeded in her venture, thus establishing what is now known as Crown Bakeries.
From humble beginnings with a staff of seven, Crown Bakeries has flourished into a leading bakery supplier, employing over 1,700 individuals today. Serving renowned clients such as McDonald's, ConAgra, and Pepperidge Farm, Harrington’s company stands as a beacon in the food manufacturing sector. In 2019, she sold her majority stake but continues to influence the company as co-chair of its board. Her remarkable journey has led her to be recognized by Forbes as one of America's most successful female entrepreneurs.
Harrington’s life philosophy, summarized in her personal mission statement—'Create Opportunities, Make a Difference, Impact Lives'—not only shapes her management style but also informs her mentorship endeavors. Over the years, she has guided 17 individuals who have successfully become McDonald's franchisees, echoing her belief in the power of access to opportunity.
In her own words, she reflects, "Receiving the Horatio Alger Award is deeply meaningful to me because it reflects a belief I have lived by my entire career—that persistence, preparation, and hard work can open doors, even when the answer is 'no' more times than you can count." She attributed much of her success to the mentorship she received, emphasizing her commitment to supporting young people in realizing their potential.
Cordia Harrington and her husband, Tom, are also distinguished philanthropists focused on education, healthcare, and human services. They have significantly contributed over $20 million in scholarships for first-generation college students and have played a crucial role in establishing CORD (Create Opportunities, Reach Dreams) student centers at several universities, illustrating their dedication to nurturing future generations.
Dr. Richard Workman, a fellow recipient of the Horatio Alger Award, nominated Harrington for this honor, stating, “Cordia leads with generosity, perseverance, and purpose. She understands that true impact comes not just from what you build, but from who you lift along the way.”
Cordia Harrington will officially be inducted into the Horatio Alger Association in April during the annual induction ceremony in Washington, D.C., which coincides with the Horatio Alger National Scholars Conference. The conference allows over a hundred students to explore opportunities and connect with leaders who embody the spirit of perseverance. For more details about the Horatio Alger Association and their commitment to educational support and fostering opportunity, visit their website.
Harrington’s professional journey is nothing short of inspirational. Born in Waco, Texas, Harrington grew up as the eldest daughter in a family where hard work was a constant theme, fueled by a stay-at-home mother and a dedicated salesman father. Her entrepreneurial spirit emerged early; by the age of twelve, she established a nursery school in her own backyard, a testament to her ambition and initiative.
Harrington pursued her education steadfastly, earning a bachelor's degree in home economics from the University of Arkansas. During her college years, she balanced three part-time jobs, showcasing her relentless work ethics. Following her graduation, she secured $600 in savings to launch a real estate and construction company, which she later sold to Coldwell Banker in 1989.
Life took a sudden turn after a divorce, prompting Harrington to relocate to Illinois with her three young children. In a bid to start anew, she entered the fast-food business by purchasing a McDonald's franchise. Her strategic thinking shone as she expanded her business by relocating a Greyhound bus station to her McDonald's parking lot, thereby increasing customer traffic significantly.
Harrington's association with McDonald’s deepened as she became a member of the McDonald's Bun Committee, embarking on an arduous journey to convince the corporation to create a dedicated bakery. After four years of perseverance, she succeeded in her venture, thus establishing what is now known as Crown Bakeries.
From humble beginnings with a staff of seven, Crown Bakeries has flourished into a leading bakery supplier, employing over 1,700 individuals today. Serving renowned clients such as McDonald's, ConAgra, and Pepperidge Farm, Harrington’s company stands as a beacon in the food manufacturing sector. In 2019, she sold her majority stake but continues to influence the company as co-chair of its board. Her remarkable journey has led her to be recognized by Forbes as one of America's most successful female entrepreneurs.
Harrington’s life philosophy, summarized in her personal mission statement—'Create Opportunities, Make a Difference, Impact Lives'—not only shapes her management style but also informs her mentorship endeavors. Over the years, she has guided 17 individuals who have successfully become McDonald's franchisees, echoing her belief in the power of access to opportunity.
In her own words, she reflects, "Receiving the Horatio Alger Award is deeply meaningful to me because it reflects a belief I have lived by my entire career—that persistence, preparation, and hard work can open doors, even when the answer is 'no' more times than you can count." She attributed much of her success to the mentorship she received, emphasizing her commitment to supporting young people in realizing their potential.
Cordia Harrington and her husband, Tom, are also distinguished philanthropists focused on education, healthcare, and human services. They have significantly contributed over $20 million in scholarships for first-generation college students and have played a crucial role in establishing CORD (Create Opportunities, Reach Dreams) student centers at several universities, illustrating their dedication to nurturing future generations.
Dr. Richard Workman, a fellow recipient of the Horatio Alger Award, nominated Harrington for this honor, stating, “Cordia leads with generosity, perseverance, and purpose. She understands that true impact comes not just from what you build, but from who you lift along the way.”
Cordia Harrington will officially be inducted into the Horatio Alger Association in April during the annual induction ceremony in Washington, D.C., which coincides with the Horatio Alger National Scholars Conference. The conference allows over a hundred students to explore opportunities and connect with leaders who embody the spirit of perseverance. For more details about the Horatio Alger Association and their commitment to educational support and fostering opportunity, visit their website.
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