Around four years ago (2020)I started working at Chick-fil-A, I was still determining how I felt about it until the end of my first day. I loved the team and how welcoming it felt! It wasn’t anything I thought a first job would be like. I eventually met one of the front-of-house team members Gisele! I only saw her occasionally, but she always seemed super friendly and she would always say hi, every time she saw me.

Months later, Gisele is moving up in leadership and becoming a Coach! (2021) This landed her the opportunity to get cross-trained in the back-of-house for a few weeks. I learned more about and worked with her, and we eventually became decent friends. Some of my fondest memories about Chick-fil-A include when Gisele was in the back.

Eventually, her cross-training days were over and there was a period where I didn’t see her at all.

After a few months, we received news that our store, was chosen for relocation! This was cool because we had never experienced an opportunity like that before. As we started getting closer to that scenario, the more exciting things became. We were planning on scheduling tours for the team and their family, different training events, as well as team bonding activities. I ended up leading the tour for the kitchen and I taught fire prevention/safety to the team. The only reason why this was possible was because Gisele asked me to fill in. I truly believe that this time was what let the leaders know that I was ready for leadership. I wouldn’t have been in this situation if it wasn’t for Gisele.

The first person to ever encourage me that I was worthy and that I could be a great leader was Gisele. From the start of my leadership journey, she was there influencing me, helping me become the person I am meant to become. Through the hardships that I had experienced during my first year, she was there for me. Knowing that I have someone like Gisele in my life now makes me wish that everyone could find someone like her. She is Jesus loving, kind, courageous, brave, sweet, hard worker and such an amazing leader. It is the little moments of kindness and sacrifice that helped solidify my belief that she is the one for me.