Lawrence, KS- Luciana Hlodak came over from Uruguay, South America in search of a better life for her and her future family. In 2002, she began working at the local McDonald’s in Lawrence where she learned how to speak English through the conversations on the drive-thru headphones. She raised her two children as a single mother working a full time job.

“My kids grew up with me at McDonald's," said Hlodak. “They would wait for me in the lobby and my co-workers would take care of them, a cookie here and an ice cream cone there. The school bus would even drop them off from school at McDonald’s so it has always been like a second home for them.” 

Luciana’s daughter, Celine Umpierre, started working at the Lawrence McDonald’s alongside her mom. Celine and Luciana feel fortunate to live and work with each other every day. 

“We are good partners who have a very good relationship,” said Luciana. “Some people might even say ‘Oh, you work with your mom. You don't want to see her at work and at home.’ But, we are not that way. I respect her for her things and she respects mine.” 

Through the years of ups and downs, Luciana has learned the importance of time management and balancing being a successful mother and business woman. She has stressed the importance of family to her children and instilled the concept of hard work into their everyday lives. 

“I am so proud of my mom just for her dedication," said Celine. “She came from a very low income family and poverty filled community. She came to the United States and decided she was going to make a future for us and herself. I love seeing all her accomplishments - being a store manager while still being home at night to cook dinner. There have been some difficult times where we didn’t see her as much but we knew it was always to keep the roof over our heads and food on the table.” 

Luciana’s advice for her children as they learn and grow, personally and professionally, is to follow their dreams and be responsible. If they are going to do something, they better do it right. And not to forget where they came from.

“I love my daughter and we love each other," said Luciana. “This company is great. McDonald’s has helped me to grow up as a person, as a mom, as a business woman. And I’ve learned a lot. I am what I am because I learned it from here. They have given me the skills to succeed.”