Myra Doria dedicated herself tirelessly to build a career that began in the 1980s with grit, passion, and perseverance. She started her professional journey at McDonald’s in Dau, Mabalacat, Pampanga, in 1985, known as “Store 005.” Her journey over four decades serves as an inspiration—a testament to how a young woman from a small town in the Philippines secured a seat at the table of one of the world’s biggest and most loved brands in the US.
Humble beginnings
Born and raised in Minalin, Pampanga, Doria was the eldest of six siblings. Her parents instilled in her the importance of being a role model, a responsibility she carries to this day. “I was born and raised in Minalin, Pampanga. Ako po ang pinaka matanda sa anim na magkakapatid (I was the eldest in a brood of six), and early in life my parents instilled in me the importance of being the role model for my siblings. It is a huge responsibility that I carry with me still today,” she shared.
Doria’s early experience working at the flea market not only honed her business acumen but also developed her passion for shoes. She views her shoes as a metaphor for her life and career, reminding her of her days at the flea market and her first days at McDonald’s. After graduating from college, her mother treated her to a meal at McDonald’s, where she was unexpectedly interviewed for a job on the spot. Eleven interviews later, she received a start date for her management training.
From the Philippines to the US
Doria worked diligently to rise through the ranks, becoming a successful restaurant manager committed to her team’s growth. When she married, her priorities evolved. Her husband was serving with the U.S. Navy in Guam, and she prepared for a new life in the United States. “Moving to an entirely new country like the United States was the greatest change I had ever experienced. The culture was completely new and foreign to me. In the Philippines, I was called ‘Ma’am Myra.’ In the States, it was just ‘Myra – do this… Myra – do that!’” she recalled.
In the U.S., Doria built her career at McDonald’s, initially facing a culture shock but growing as a professional and leader. She learned to be assertive and create her own seat at the table, bringing her unique voice and accent. “I learned to have the courage to be assertive and create my own seat at the table and bring my own voice—including my accent,” she said.
Doria steadily advanced through the ranks, taking on increasingly prominent roles. Starting as a business consultant, she progressed to field vice president, then zone president. In 2023, she was appointed National Field President of McDonald’s USA, overseeing 14,000 restaurants across the U.S. and empowering more than 1,800 franchisees and 500 company employees.
A culture of empowerment
McDonald’s has demonstrated a strong commitment to women’s leadership. In the Philippines, women comprise over 51% of key workforce segments, with the highest percentage of female sub-franchisees among developmental licensee markets.
Doria credits McDonald’s Philippines Chairman and Founder, Dr. George T. Yang for her foundational opportunity: “George gave me my first opportunity as a manager trainee 40 years ago. If not for him, who knows where I’d be today.”
Doria is known for mentoring leaders at McDonald’s, with many of her trainees rising to become national and international leaders. She emphasizes the importance of remembering one’s roots and leading with empathy. “No matter how your career started, always remember where you came from. As I say, lead with empathy and don’t let your title or responsibilities get in the way,” she advised.
A multifaceted woman
Beyond her leadership role, Doria is committed to her family. “Working at McDonald’s is just one of my jobs. I’m also a wife, a mother, and now a lola for the very first time,” she said, expressing gratitude for her family’s unconditional love and support.
Doria’s advice to aspiring leaders is to take risks. “My advice to everyone is don’t be afraid. Take risks. Actually, the higher the risks, the more is the gain of that risk. Risk is so important in leadership. Progressive companies like McDonald’s always take risks,” she emphasized.Her legacy is about making an impact on people’s lives. “The most fulfilling thing about my career is when I see people achieve their aspirations, [when] they get better and achieve their dreams,” she noted.
#IMPower
As the world celebrates International Women’s Month, McDonald’s highlights its environment where women are empowered to be their best selves and bring out the best in others. Doria’s journey embodies this spirit, inspiring others to be #MPowered.
