My name is Suzette Delgado Rivera. I am 32 years old and I was born in Puerto Rico. I started working at McDonald's in 2006 when I was 16 years old as an employee for 2 years. In 2007, still working for McDonalds, I had my first pregnancy. When I returned from maternity, they offered me the position of swing manager, which I accepted. I worked in 5 different restaurants of the corporation. After 10 years I decided to come to the United States. I had never boarded a plane and had never left my family, at the same time I was scared because I did not speak or understand English.
I have 2 children, a beautiful 14-year-old girl who currently works for Hart 2 Hart and I have a beautiful 12-year-old boy, which is one of the reasons why I am here, since in Puerto Rico he was diagnosed with Autism and I couldn't find help for what he needed at the time. When I arrived I said, I'm going to apply at McDonald's because that's where I had experience since I didn't understand the language and I was really nervous about this drastic change. When I arrived at the restaurant on 26th Street, I met with Maritza, Kelly and Tiffany for an interview. They offered me the position of manager and I accepted with great fear since I did not know the English language. I do not deny that I felt frustrated many times and I cried a lot because I wanted to express myself in many ways and I could not do it but at the same time this fear and those tears gave me the courage to take the initiative to learn English. It was a process. The entire work team, including employees, helped me learn.
After this they gave me the opportunity to take classes with Under the Arches program which I took full advantage of. I continued to learn many things in the restaurant that led me to become a great leader. I was at HU in April 2022 which was the best experience I have had in my work history and unfortunately my father passed away on the same day of my graduation on April 21, 2022. I tell you this process was hard, I was alone in that room without anyone being able to comfort me since I was in Chicago and I didn't have any relatives with me. God was there with me.
3 weeks ago I was offered the position as GM to which I said WOW I never saw myself in this position since I had gone through all this process of learning English. But as they all say, sky is the limit and I accepted the challenge. I am very proud of myself, my family is also very proud of me and I know my dad is. I am very grateful to Hart 2 Hart who have put all their trust in me and have given me this great opportunity which I will enjoy to the fullest. Thank you very much!
