On January 8th, in response to &#34;1 in 8 Day,&#34; McDonald's launched the &#34;Arches and Aspirations: 1 in 8 Mentorship Program,&#34; showcasing extraordinary careers that began under the Golden Arches.
Chicago, January 8, 2026 /PR Newswire/ -- Did you know? One in every eight Americans has worked at a McDonald's restaurant. This is not just a statistic; it is a shared experience that quietly connects the lives of over 40 million people across the country.
Behind the Counter Experience: 1 in 8 Day We kick off the new year by celebrating the first &#34;1 in 8 Day.&#34; Today is dedicated to honoring the millions of past and present employees who have been the driving force behind McDonald's restaurants and their communities for over 70 years.
The celebration will span across the United States, from restaurant events honoring employees to local promotions that bring fans together, uniting the &#34;1 in 8&#34; community and its neighborhoods in tribute to the lifelong skills gained under the golden arches.
Here, employees learn how to work with a sense of purpose, foster teamwork, think on their feet, and master the art of staying calm during peak lunch hours while creating delicious and memorable moments for our fans.
And these skills? They do not stop behind the counter; they become the foundation for turning aspirations into achievements.
Arches and Aspirations: 1 in 8 Mentorship Program To highlight this growth trajectory, we officially launch the “Arches and Aspirations: 1 in 8 Mentorship Program.” — This is a four-part YouTube series documenting the one-on-one mentorship journeys of four current employees with alumni from McDonald's who are now shining in fields such as entrepreneurship, dining, fashion, and sports.
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<li>New Orleans, Louisiana: In New Orleans, McDonald's franchisee Jade Colin is one of the youngest Black women to own a McDonald's franchise. She mentors Justin Hicks, a current McDonald's manager with entrepreneurial aspirations, guiding him on how to grow and give back to the city's business community.</li>
<li>Los Angeles, California: Chef John Liu, owner of the Michelin Bib Gourmand recommended restaurants Chifa and Arroz &amp; Fun, has formed a deep connection with mentee Abigial &#34;Abby&#34; Robles (current McDonald's manager and owner of a small baking business in Los Angeles) due to their shared heritage. Abby even served as Chef John's sous chef at the special &#34;1 in 8 Luncheon&#34; held at Chifa</li>
<li>Milwaukee, Wisconsin: In Milwaukee, fashion designer and stylist Tamy Idrobo, dedicated to creative storytelling, collaborated with Marie Perez, a Chicago employee and aspiring actress, to engage in a styling exchange that explored the commonalities between artistic creation and their time working at McDonald's.</li>
<li>Queens, New York: Nigel Sylvester, a professional BMX athlete and creative director, mentored fellow Queens local, photographer and current employee trainer Brijanna Crawford, guiding her through the creative process of the McDonald's merchandise line inspired by the spirit of &#34;1 in 8&#34; — “Employee of the Month”.</li>
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Each story reveals the same powerful truth: when ambition combines with foundational skills and a supportive community, the possibilities for the future are boundless.
&#34;Everyone has aspirations,&#34; said Myra Doria, President of National Operations for McDonald's USA and a proud member of the &#34;1 in 8&#34; community. &#34;I am incredibly proud to be part of the McDonald's brand because programs like 'Arches and Aspirations' provide our employees with pathways to pursue their dreams. These opportunities connect them with successful alumni who help our employees envision a brighter future.&#34;
A heartfelt thank you like &#34;McNuggets&#34;: Celebrating 1 in 8 Day Want to support the employees who serve you? Here’s how you can participate:
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<li>Watch and share the “Arches and Aspirations” video on YouTube.</li>
<li>Use #1in8Day to share your story and let the world know you are also part of &#34;1 in 8.&#34;</li>
<li>Visit your local McDonald's restaurant and give your service staff a &#34;McNuggets&#34;-like thank you for their hard work.</li>
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About McDonald's McDonald's USA, LLC offers a diverse menu of quality food choices to millions of customers every day. Approximately 95% of McDonald's 13,500 restaurants in the U.S. are owned and operated by independent business owners. For more information, visit www.mcdonalds.com and follow us on social media: X, Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook.
Contact: [email protected]
McDonald's USA
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On January 8th, McDonald's launched the "1/8 Day" celebration to honor past and present employees, emphasizing their core role in restaurants and communities. The event includes nationwide employee recognition and local promotions, aiming to unite the "1/8" community and pay tribute to the lifelong skills gained under the golden arches. In addition, the "Arches and Aspirations: 1/8 Mentor Program" was introduced, showcasing employees' growth stories through a YouTube series

12:31 ET McDonald's will dedicate January 8 to its past and present employees and their globally renowned professional skills