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Sandiya's Path to Leadership

Sandiya is one of our unit's newly promoted leaders, but her path to leadership was not a simple process.  As a dual enrollment student with Midlands Tech's Upward Bound program, her initiative and responsibility as a high school student is what caught the eye of the Talent Acquisition team at Chick-fil-A Columbiana Mall.  Sandiya had previously spent some time working in a remote position but soon realized the company culture of her employer was not quite what was advertised.  She was hired on the spot and immediately began to thrive in her role at the mall unit.  

Shortly after she had settled in to her new job, Diya faced another curve ball.  Operator Laurel Garcia had just been selected for relocation to a free standing Chick-fil-A only seven minutes away from her mall unit.  While the heart behind the business and even the service model remained the same, Sandiya had to now relearn her position, incorporating an intense double lane drive thru with the added pressure of combining two different teams to create "blended family" of sorts.  
From the outset, she made it her mission to encourage her new coworkers.  Her unflinching positive outlook soon set her apart as a leader although it may not have been reflected by her name tag.  Unsurprisingly, Sandiya was invited to join the leadership team where she now serves as our AM Supervisor.  But this new challenge was anything but butterflies and rainbows.  Early on, she battled her self confidence and even considered walking away.  "I didn't feel like i could do it...I thought about leaving."  Time and experience have been her teachers, along with a supportive cast of co-leaders in operations.  It may have been at the cost of some difficult days, but Diya has outlasted her learning curve and continues to shine and add value to our business.  

"I didn't feel like I could do it...I thought about leaving."


Part of what makes her a great leader is her uncommon sense of responsibility.  While her contemporaries might be chasing followers on Instagram, Sandiya shared that she's making strides towards home ownership and dreams of buying a new car, right off the lot.  Her commitment, as well her empathy are what make her such a vital part of our team at Chick-fil-A Bush River Road.  Ever approachable and easy to talk to, her brand of leadership is built by caring for her team and extending that same care to each guest she serves.  

 Outside of work, Sandiya enjoys spending time with family, experimenting with makeup, listening to music, and trying new things.

Do you know someone who would be a great fit for the growth-oriented family culture at CFA Bush River Road?  Or maybe you're ready to begin writing your own Chick-fil-A story?  Reach out to Jonathan at careers@cfabushriver.com for more information about career and internship opportunities.  


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