Many MDC alumni have climbed to the top of the food industry at global businesses such as McDonald’s, Burger King, Denny’s and Koning Restaurants. While achieving great company goals, these leaders not only satisfy hungry customers, they also create important initiatives supporting education and community service.

Inspiring Others

MDC alumnus José Tomás, president of Burger King Latin America and Caribbean, has an additional title: Chief People Officer. Also the corporation’s chief human resources manager, Tomás is focused on empowering employees one by one to increase operations. In recent years, MDC alumnus Armando Jacomino, senior vice president of Operations Latin America/Caribbean, has partnered with Habitat for Humanity to drive this point home; he and 250 Burger King employees donated their time and energy to build a home for a valued team member in Miami’s Overtown neighborhood.

Alfredo Salas, president and CEO of Koning Restaurants International, which owns the largest number of U.S. Pizza Hut franchises, is also the first Hispanic owner of a restaurant certified by the Green Restaurant Association. Located in Miami Lakes, the Chick-N-Grill meets environmentally sustainable requirements.

Helping Teens and Tots

Also changing the world one plateful at a time: Robert Rodríguez, chief operating officer of Denny’s, known for its local service initiatives in organizations such as the Hispanic College Fund, The Muscular Dystrophy Foundation, Toys For Tots and the Special Olympics.

José Armario, group president of McDonald’s Canada and Latin America, provides management oversight for both regions and oversees international franchising. Through programs like the Ronald McDonald’s House and Moms’ Quality Correspondents, the corporation has various initiatives focused on sustainability, animal welfare, healthier eating and support for families with hospitalized children.