1 in 8 Crew Story: Yenis Blanco

Yenis Blanco, Washington D.C., Restaurant Owner/Operator: Luis Gavignano

Like many of the McDonald’s 1in8ers, Yenis Blanco’s pursuit of new opportunities led her to a job at the Golden Arches. Though Yenis spoke very little English when she first came to America from El Salvador, her time in the restaurant allowed her to quickly learn new words and phrases on the job.

As Yenis continued her journey with McDonald’s, she opted to participate in Archways to Opportunity educational programs English under the Arches and Career Online High School, which helped her earn her high school diploma. Alongside her studies, she continued to strengthen her English by working the cash register and initiating conversations with customers, fueling her advancements to department manager and shift leader.

Her educational journey is far from over though, as Yenis is currently studying business at Southern New Hampshire University. “I think education is the main branch of life,” she says. “With education, you can do anything. You can reach any goal.”

Today, Yenis serves as a training manager, overseeing training programs at 15 of Owner/Operator Luis Gavignano’s restaurants in Maryland, Washington, D.C. and Virginia. In her position, she strives to teach crew members about the opportunities McDonald’s has available to them, encouraging them to take advantage of all the skill-building and educational programs at their disposal.

“What I can say to everybody is everything I have accomplished until now is because of McDonald’s and Archways to Opportunity.”

Thank you, Yenis, for being part of the 1-in-8 Americans who make our Arches so golden.

For more information on English under the Arches or Career Online High School, visit www.archwaystoopportunity.com

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.

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.