Equal Opportunities: Our Commitment to Further Reduce the Gender Gap

At Arcos Dorados, we champion a culture built on equal opportunities, a commitment that has been steadfastly reinforced since 2018 with the establishment of our Diversity and Inclusion Committee, of which the Women’s Network is an integral part. This committee serves as a multidisciplinary forum, devoid of hierarchies, and active in all the countries where we operate. Its aim is to identify and help overcome potential obstacles in women’s professional paths, develop learning tools with a gender perspective, recognize talent, and foster leadership.

We recognize the societal dynamics that perpetuate barriers to the full realization of women’s potential, and therefore, we internally address policies and practices to counteract the segregation of labor by gender roles. We also strive to facilitate women’s access to decision-making and leadership roles.

“At Arcos Dorados, we are committed to actively working towards providing equal opportunities for women to develop their talents. This is why we are implementing initiatives to enhance their career and training opportunities. Currently, 54% of the women in our organization hold leadership and decision-making positions across various levels, from restaurant operations to senior management,” stated Marlene Fernandez, Corporate Vice President of Government Relations and Leader of the Diversity and Inclusion Committee at Arcos Dorados.

McDonald’s Saw in Me

Through the testimonials of our female employees, we are participating in International Women’s Month to highlight the impact of investing in women’s empowerment, not only on their personal and professional lives but also for the benefit of society as a whole.

“McDonald’s saw in me a person committed to training people and, especially, to supporting women in their professional advancement within the company,” says María Marta Espósito, leader of the Arcos Dorados Women’s Network and Lead Digital Channel of Operations at ADvance.

María Marta serves as a shining example of the transformative power of opportunities for women to unleash their full potential. She began her journey at the age of 17 as a crew member in an Argentine restaurant and, through various roles, now holds a regional leadership position in shaping our digital strategy. She also leads efforts, in collaboration with representatives from all countries, to further gender equality.

Stories like María Marta’s are commonplace at Arcos Dorados, reflecting our longstanding commitment to promoting equal opportunities and nurturing internal talent through consistent investment in training and growth initiatives.