Arches & Ambition: The 1 in 8 Mentorship Program Serves Up the Power of Mentorship

For many of the 1 in 8 Americans who have worked under the Golden Arches, McDonald’s is their first step toward turning ambition into achievement. From mastering customer service at the front counter and teamwork in the kitchen to perfecting every Snack Wrap with attention to detail, these lifelong skills become the “secret sauce” for career success.

This trajectory is spotlighted through Arches and Ambition: The 1 in 8 Mentorship Program – a four-part YouTube series following four Crew members on their one-on-one mentorship journeys with former McDonald’s employees across the country who’ve made their mark in various fields:

New Orleans, LA: McDonald’s Owner/Operator Jade Colin guides manager and aspiring entrepreneur Justin Hicks, guiding him on business growth and community impact.
Los Angeles, CA: Chef John Liu cooks up learnings with Abby Robles, a McDonald’s manager and baker, who becomes his Sous Chef for a special 1 in 8 luncheon.
Milwaukee, WI: Fashion designer Tamy Idrobo mentors Crew member and aspiring actress Marie Perez through a styling and creativity session exploring how Crew skills shaped their artistic paths.
Queens, NY: BMX athlete Nigel Sylvester brings photographer and Crew trainer Brijanna Crawford along for the ride, walking her through the creative process behind his latest McDonald’s collaboration.

Each of these four stories demonstrates one truth: when ambition is paired with support, mentorship, and the foundational lessons gained under the Golden Arches, the possibilities are limitless.

A Decade of Impact:

Celebrating 10 Years of Archways to Opportunity

Since 2015, Archways to Opportunity has helped 90,000+ crew members by providing the flexibility and financial support they need to further their education.

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Kendall Hurns: Creative Entrepreneur, Former Crew & 1 in 8 Member

Designer, entrepreneur, and artist are just a few of Kendall Hurns' many titles. But perhaps the most relatable: former McDonald's Crew. What started as a part-time restaurant job evolved into a life-long membership, making Kendall Hurns a part of the 1 in 8.

Joy Frank-Silmon: McDonald’s Owner-Operator, Former Crew & 1 in 8 Member

When Joy Frank-Silmon started working at her father’s McDonald’s restaurant, she figured it was just another high school job. But twenty years later she returned to the Golden Arches – this time to take over the family business as an owner-operator.

Elizabeth Gomez: Surgical Technologist, Former Crew & 1 in 8 Member

Elizabeth Gomez discovered her calling to help others while working as a McDonald's crew member. Eventually trading in her spatula for a scalpel, she studied surgical technology through Archways to Opportunity and applies the same skills learned in the kitchen in the operating room.

Yenis Blanco: Student, Current Training Manager & 1 in 8 Member

After arriving in the U.S. from Central America, Yenis Blanco knew little English when she began working as a crew member. Now, she's a college student studying business through Archways to Opportunity and oversees the training programs at 15 McDonald's restaurants.

A Documentary Shorts Collection: Stories from America’s Dining Room

Everyone has a McDonald’s story. In partnership with Breakwater Studios, McDonald’s presents Stories from America’s Dining Room, a powerful collection of short films that share five inspiring, real-life stories and the impactful, yet subtle role McDonald’s plays in American life as a community hub and employer.

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Are You Part of the 1 in 8?

We want to hear from you, the Crew, who make up the 1 in 8. Tell us how McDonald's played a role in your journey.

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Important Note:

McDonald's and McDonald's independently owned and operated franchisees are equal opportunity employers committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce.

Most McDonald's restaurants are operated by independent franchisees who are independent employers, and set their own employment policies and practices, including pay and benefits for the people working in their restaurants. McDonald's USA does not control the independent franchisees' employment policies and practices and does not employ those working at franchised restaurants.