Bonita Guesman is a part-time crew member at a McDonald’s restaurant in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where she is flourishing following a very different 30-year career as a paralegal.
Bonita is 63 years of age and, thanks to McDonald's, she has finally received her high school diploma. Soon after starting her part-time job at her local McDonald’s, Bonita learned from her General Manager and co-workers about the McDonald’s comprehensive education program, Archways to Opportunity. She asked whether she could use the program as a route to completing her diploma.
“They said 'you know what, go for it, do it and we’ll support you 100%,'” Bonita says. “I have a high school diploma now…one of my bucket list items.”
Bonita proves it is never too late to follow your dreams
Bonita received her high school diploma from Career Online High School through Archways to Opportunity and is the program’s oldest graduate since its launch in 2015. Excited by her achievements so far, Bonita is now considering studying for a college degree.
“I’ve been looking into a few trade schools, local community college, some more online classes,” Bonita says. “My granddaughter just turned 18 and she’s going off to college at the same time as her grandmother is, so it’s all worth it, it’s a good thing.”
Thanking McDonald's for an opportunity which seemed out of reach
Bonita credits McDonald’s for providing her with an opportunity that seemed out of reach. She says: “I was encouraged to do more online classes through Archways to Opportunity. The doors are open and it’s just phenomenal what I can do now and accomplish. If I can do this I can do anything.”
Bonita is also encouraging other women to seize all the opportunities which become available to them.
“It’s about going out and educating yourself, being who you want to be no matter what kind of walk of life or diversity,” she explains. “It’s all about living up to your full potential as a female.”
McDonald’s offers opportunities for crew workers beyond the restaurant doors
Through exciting schemes such as Archways to Opportunity, there are so many ways for women to develop their skills at McDonald’s. Search and apply for a role with this progressive employer today.
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Disclosure: Where Women Work researches and publishes insightful evidence about how its paid member organizations support women's equality.