Anyone who is successful ultimately received some help along the way. This statement can be no better displayed than by the support and efforts of McDonald's Lubeznik Family Restaurants, and the generosity shown by the supervisor Akisha. GCP had a brief chat with her and she shared some interesting facts with us about her amazing journey!
Why did you support Gary Community Partnership back when we only a plan and two lawnmower to help reach youth in the community? I always look for organizations in the neighborhoods near my stores that I can assist in some way. From the beginning you were very excited and had a clear plan of what the future of your group was going to do. I had to support- I believed in your vision!
What responsibility do you think local businesses have to engage with community groups to create a better outcome for our communities? As a business I believe that we have a responsibility to give back to the community that we do business in, we cannot just employ from the area and make money off of the community but we must support and give back in order to make the surrounding areas better. It is our responsibility to be accessible to those who are seeking support and find ways to partner with them to help them succeed. When we help them succeed it in turns makes the area around the restaurant better for the city.
What advice would you give other businesses in partnering with community groups and nonprofits like Gary Community Partnership in helping to be the change in our neighborhoods throughout the city? You have to believe that the community group will make a difference in your neighborhood. Step out and take the chance to support a group - you may be the difference in getting other businesses to support just off knowing that another business is involved. All it takes is one business to help be the foundation to grow other supporters.
How long have you lived in Gary? Born and raised in the Brunswick area - life long resident!
What high school did you graduate from? I went to the best side - West Side High School graduating in 1997.
How long have you been with McDonald's? I have been here for 26 years - started as a crew person in 1996 at the location on 35th & Grant, started growing and learning with the company. That was the first store that I was a General Manager at, and also the first store that I became Supervisor over! It has really been a full circle journey growing up literally in the Gary locations
What is your current role? My current role is a Supervisor- responsible for overseeing restaurant operations, sales, profitability, staffing and more!
What hobbies you enjoy when you're not working? I am a introvert by nature- I enjoy being at home - reading and relaxing. Currently in my year of YES- which means that I am saying yes when I am invited out for activities and things that I would not normally do. After having Covid last year I realized that being at home is great but I was missing out on enjoying life.
Akisha and McDonald's have been amazing partners over the past 5 years! Visit any of their 3 Gary locations and
1 in Hammond off of Kennedy Avenue. We encourage you to support those businesses we spotlight - those who make it their purpose to support community groups who are making a difference in the city.
Why did you support Gary Community Partnership back when we only a plan and two lawnmower to help reach youth in the community? I always look for organizations in the neighborhoods near my stores that I can assist in some way. From the beginning you were very excited and had a clear plan of what the future of your group was going to do. I had to support- I believed in your vision!
What responsibility do you think local businesses have to engage with community groups to create a better outcome for our communities? As a business I believe that we have a responsibility to give back to the community that we do business in, we cannot just employ from the area and make money off of the community but we must support and give back in order to make the surrounding areas better. It is our responsibility to be accessible to those who are seeking support and find ways to partner with them to help them succeed. When we help them succeed it in turns makes the area around the restaurant better for the city.
What advice would you give other businesses in partnering with community groups and nonprofits like Gary Community Partnership in helping to be the change in our neighborhoods throughout the city? You have to believe that the community group will make a difference in your neighborhood. Step out and take the chance to support a group - you may be the difference in getting other businesses to support just off knowing that another business is involved. All it takes is one business to help be the foundation to grow other supporters.
How long have you lived in Gary? Born and raised in the Brunswick area - life long resident!
What high school did you graduate from? I went to the best side - West Side High School graduating in 1997.
How long have you been with McDonald's? I have been here for 26 years - started as a crew person in 1996 at the location on 35th & Grant, started growing and learning with the company. That was the first store that I was a General Manager at, and also the first store that I became Supervisor over! It has really been a full circle journey growing up literally in the Gary locations
What is your current role? My current role is a Supervisor- responsible for overseeing restaurant operations, sales, profitability, staffing and more!
What hobbies you enjoy when you're not working? I am a introvert by nature- I enjoy being at home - reading and relaxing. Currently in my year of YES- which means that I am saying yes when I am invited out for activities and things that I would not normally do. After having Covid last year I realized that being at home is great but I was missing out on enjoying life.
Akisha and McDonald's have been amazing partners over the past 5 years! Visit any of their 3 Gary locations and
1 in Hammond off of Kennedy Avenue. We encourage you to support those businesses we spotlight - those who make it their purpose to support community groups who are making a difference in the city.