Since 1977, the United Nations has recognized March 8 as International Women’s Day in order to spread awareness about women’s rights and gender equality, as well as to recognize and celebrate the achievements of women in various fields. This year, Jack in the Box is continuing to celebrate women at all levels of the organization by highlighting their career successes, their dedication, and their contributions to the company.
“Our Jack in the Box culture is about supporting and building strong career paths for each of our employees, whether in the corporate office or in our restaurants,” says Melissa Corrigan, chief human resources officer for the brand. “We are proud to say that 63 percent of our restaurant and corporate employees are women. International Women’s Day is celebrated all year round at Jack in the Box, but after the challenges due to COVID-19, we know that this year is extra special. Each of these women have gone above and beyond to help drive this brand forward, and I’m proud to continue this celebration.”
Here three female leaders at Jack in the Box share their experiences of being a woman in the food service industry.
Riju Sood – Franchisee
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Why do you work for Jack in the Box?
I was on a different career path while completing grad school at University of Southern California (USC), but ultimately, I came back to Jack in the Box after finishing school. My family had been in the business since the early 80’s so I have always felt that Jack in the Box was in my DNA.
How long have you worked at Jack in the Box and how long have you been in the restaurant industry?
I started in the restaurant industry when I first entered Jack in the Box as a young girl, and have been at the company for over 15 years. I began as a regular employee at my parent’s restaurant where I was trained and worked my way up to being a franchisee owner within the family organization. My trajectory has been steady, which is the reason that I am able to handle the business as a franchise operator.
Do you think Jack in the Box ensures women have a fair, equitable workplace and a voice within the company? If so, can you give an example of how you’ve seen this play out?
Jack in the Box ensures a fair, equitable workplace. Previously, Jack in the Box had a female CEO, Linda Lang; a female president, Frances Allen; and there are many women in various corporate leadership positions and departments. In our own organization, 50 percent of our restaurant managers are female, and they are doing an amazing job.
How has Jack in the Box supported you and your career?
I have received all the support that I ever needed. Right from the beginning, Jack provided the comprehensive training and necessary tools for me to excel in my role as a franchisee. They continuously evaluate and provide resources on an ongoing basis for me to continue to be successful.
What impact has the mentorship of other women in the company and industry, or your mentorship of others had on you?
Yes, I am proud to say that my mother, Usha, is my mentor at Jack in the Box. She was actively involved in the business while raising us. Watching her create that work-life balance was something I observed firsthand. Both my parents guide me to this day.
What do you think it means to be a woman in the restaurant industry?
It means we have a chance to excel and shine, and that we are able to successfully operate restaurants and hold various positions.
How do you think the restaurant industry could improve on supporting women in the future?
Provide more opportunities for women to hold various positions in the restaurant industry, instill motivation and support for women to take on a larger role, and tap into talented women and nurture that talent.
What else do you think readers should know about being a woman in the restaurant industry?
A woman’s ability to multi-task is her key strength in managing a restaurant and dynamic staff. A woman’s empathy and internal drive are key aspects of being able to quickly adapt to the day-to-day challenges in a fast-paced restaurant environment. We have an innate ability to stay focused on a task.
Natalie Trzcinski – Director of Operations Services and Training
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Why do you work for Jack in the Box?
The restaurant industry is such an exciting and ever-changing business. I love working for a brand that has fun with food, challenges norms, allows employees to think outside the box, and creates a culture of collaboration. Plus, I love that part of my job is “having” to taste new creations—especially in the dessert and shakes category!
How long have you worked at Jack in the Box and how long have you been in the restaurant industry?
I have worked at Jack in the Box for almost seven years. I started as a project manager in operations, and am now a director of operations, overseeing the menu process, training, and integration. My first job, at age 15, was as a hostess in a full-service restaurant, and I loved it! I have worked for over 20 years in all areas of restaurant service and management, from fine dining to casual dining, catering, room service, and fast-food operations.
Do you think Jack in the Box ensures women have a fair, equitable workplace and a voice within the company? If so, can you give an example of how you’ve seen this play out?
Jack in the Box, currently and previously, has had many women executives, franchisees, and leaders, which I believe showcases the fair and equitable workplace established at Jack in the Box.
How has Jack in the Box supported you and your career?
In the past, Jack in the Box has hosted Women’s Leadership Conferences for employees, which speaks volumes for how Jack in the Box supports women. I was given the amazing opportunity to attend a Women’s Foodservice Forum conference a few years ago and was also invited to share my experience at our company-wide meeting upon my return, because leaders at the company were interested in what I learned.
What impact has the mentorship of other women in the company and industry, or your mentorship of others had on you?
There have been many female mentors at Jack in the Box that have served as an incredible example of strong leadership. As a new project manager to the company seven years ago, I once entered a meeting room and grabbed the last remaining chair in the back of the room, against the wall. The room was full of leaders, and one of them, a woman, motioned for me to move my chair to the main table and said, “Please, we need your opinions” and included me in the conversation. That set the stage for me to not undervalue my contributions.
What do you wish restaurant leaders knew about being a woman in the foodservice space? Are there challenges you’ve faced or even support you’ve gotten that have impacted your work?
Seven years ago, the same week I was offered my job at Jack in the Box, I found out I was pregnant with my first child. It was bittersweet, as I was nervous to tell my new coworkers I would soon be having a child and going on maternity leave. I received so much support. My team even threw me a baby shower, and the experience made me feel even more empowered as a new mom that I could achieve both my personal and professional goals. I know not everyone is lucky enough to feel supported in such a situation, but the support Jack in the Box provided me in those first few months assured me that I accepted a role at a truly incredible brand.
How do you think the restaurant industry could improve on supporting women in the future?
Being a working mom can be difficult in this industry. I have three young kids, and, many days, it can be a struggle to balance work and life. Support the need for flexibility and encourage women to not put a limit to their personal and professional goals. I truly believe women that feel supported in both roles—personal and professional—will be an even greater asset to your brand and a loyal and fulfilled employee.
What else do you think readers should know about being a woman in the restaurant industry?
Lead by example. If you are a woman in leadership, speak up, be heard, have a voice, and others will follow. If they do not follow, encourage them. Push their chair up to the table as mine was done years ago and give someone that extra boost of confidence.
Alisia Godoy – Company Restaurant Manager
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Why do you work for Jack in the Box?
That is a question that I have been asked many times, but it’s simple: I really enjoy and love what I do and the people around me. I receive support and growth as a leader, and I know that I am making a difference in the company, and in the growth and development of others. I find satisfaction in mentoring women that may not believe in themselves. This makes me proud and grateful for everything I have accomplished.
How long have you worked at Jack in the Box and how long have you been in the restaurant industry?
I have a total of 15 years in this industry, and I have worked for Jack in the Box for 13 of them. I started as a regular team member and worked my way up to a restaurant manager. I am also a certified training restaurant manager (CTRM), which I enjoy. It gives me great honor to train and develop the future leaders of Jack in the Box. Being a CTRM also gives me the privilege to teach others what I know about our systems, culture, and how to manage and lead a successful restaurant team.
Do you think Jack in the Box ensures women have a fair, equitable workplace and a voice within the company? If so, can you give me an example?
I do believe that Jack in the Box is fair to everyone, and it’s an equitable workplace. The challenges and opportunities are there for those who want them, and I’m one of those people. I 100-percent believe that we have a voice within the company. A lot of the changes and goals that are set by Jack in the Box are determined by how we do as managers.
For example, I have worked with many people from corporate, from training them to providing feedback on what works for us as a business manager, what we are doing to accomplish our goals, and how they can support us. Our director of operations has met with me several times to ask for my honest feedback on what works and what doesn’t work. I have also had the opportunity to be a pilot restaurant for new systems, which allows me to provide feedback to corporate so they can make changes that will work better before implementing them for all restaurants.
How has Jack in the Box supported you and your career?
Jack in the Box supports anyone that is willing to do their best in any kind of situation. Even though the food industry can be challenging and sometimes hard to balance with family needs, especially because we are open 24/7, I do believe that the company has made it clear to me that I am a mother first, which gives me the ability to give my 100 percent to the business and then step out to support my family when needed. If I have family obligations, I can work a shorter shift or take the day off to take care of my personal needs.
What impact has the mentorship of other women in the company and industry, or your mentorship of others had on you?
There have been many [mentors], including my current district manager, Sally Gomez, and my director of operations, Barbara Aparicio, who was my District Manager for many years. Barbara has been my mentor since day one when she interviewed me for an assistant manager position. She believed in me more than I did in myself. She would challenge me and guide me to success.
When my performance would drop or if I failed because I thought that I couldn’t do it, she was the one that always stood by my side and said, “I believe in you, and I know you will make a difference. You have come a long way, and you will do more because you care, and you are determined”. Since then, every time I fail, I don’t view it as failure, but as a learning experience that makes me stronger.
I have been a mentor to the women that I train for the assistant manager position, and I remind them to never give up. It’s so rewarding when I see those women take my challenges and become successful—I’m giving to them what was given to me. Having Sally and Barbara as my mentors has shown me how to be a better leader and person, and it’s influenced me to become that same type of mentor for others. An example of that is my assistant manager, Yazmin Vara, who was recently promoted to a restaurant manager, I’m so proud of her!
What do you think it means to be a woman in the industry?
I have never thought about it, but a woman can be in any profession that they want to be in. We work hard to accomplish our goals in any field. I’m a mother of two boys, and during my journey as restaurant manager, I earned my bachelor’s degree. Honestly, it wasn’t an easy journey, but I was determined to make it happen. I believe that having my degree will open new opportunities for me and inspire other women that I work with to do the same.
Women that work in any industry are warriors, because we have our plates full of responsibilities and goals. Jack in the Box gave me the opportunity to prove myself and set my own personal expectations.
What do you wish restaurant leaders knew about being a woman in the food service space? Are there challenges you’ve faced or even support you’ve gotten that have impacted your work?
Women are tough and determined. Our passion and determination can take us where we want to be. We work hard and manage successful businesses, and we don’t settle. We want to prove that we can be the strong leaders that every industry wants.
With every challenge, there are obstacles that we all face, but what makes a difference is what we do to remove those obstacles and create a strong path for success. I received support from my district manager, Sally Gomez, and I’m always looking to learn, grow, seek answers, and find new ways to improve myself.
How do you think the restaurant industry could improve on supporting women in the future?
Every woman deserves the opportunity to prove themselves and show that we can do the job. We are great leaders, and we just need the opportunity and someone to believe in us. Provide more mentorships and networking. The industry could also look at ways to better balance work and home for women, especially single mothers.
What else do you think readers should know about being a woman in the restaurant industry?
Women are very capable of doing any job, they just need to be given the opportunity. We are great leaders, we are achievers, we are determined. We need someone to believe in us and provide us the opportunity to shine and bloom. We will take on challenges and remove obstacles.
To learn more about how Jack in the Box is supporting women or to learn more about working at Jack in the Box, visit jackintheboxjobs.com.
By Peggy Carouthers
