My Panda Story: Rosario Martinez, Area Coach of Operations
Panda Restaurant Group
Deliver exceptional Asian dining experiences by building an organization where people are inspired to better their lives
Congratulations to Roxii on her recent promotion to becoming an Area Coach of Operations!
My story with Panda Express began nine years ago in my hometown of Puerto Rico. I started as a Counter Help, and within just six months, I was promoted to Assistant Manager. As an Assistant Manager, I had an opportunity to support Panda Express's growth on the East Coast, despite the language barrier. During this time, I was deeply inspired to learn English, not only to better myself, but also to provide a better life for my family.?
My journey eventually led me to Pittsburgh, where I faced one of the most challenging decisions of my life – leaving my son in Puerto Rico. After being promoted to a General Manager within eight months, I was able to reunite with my son and create a better quality of life for both of us.
Throughout my journey, I've had the privilege of meeting many inspirational leaders who motivated me to never give up. This fueled my continuous growth at Panda, especially as a Training Leader. As a Training Leader, I connected with many leaders and associates, inspiring them to develop professionally and personally. In February 2023, I embraced a fresh opportunity to relocate to Georgia, starting a new chapter in my Panda journey.?And just recently, I was promoted to an Area Coach of Operations!
During my relocations, Panda has been very supportive to my family and me. They provided relocation packages on both occasions. They also connected me with an Area Coach of Operations (ACO) and a dedicated team to offer support to make the process a smooth transition.?
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I am grateful to Andrew and Peggy for creating a company that fosters better lives, and to all the leaders who have contributed to my success. I've learned so much from everyone I've met along the way, especially leaders who have motivated me, such as Beijia He, Vice President of Operations and Kevin Yang, Regional Director of Operations. Their one-on-one support helped me see what was holding me back from becoming a better version of myself. They believed in my potential and abilities to achieve more.??
The Panda culture is consistent wherever I go. I feel welcomed, loved, and embraced by the leadership team. They made me feel like a Panda member from the get-go, creating a strong sense of belonging. I'll forever cherish the words of my ACO-Shanshan: "We are your family here; anything you need, I am here." With such a strong support system, I know I'll persevere through any challenges I may face. One Team Panda!?
Results-Driven Restaurant Manager Focused on Elevating Guest Satisfaction and Boosting Team Performance
1 年Congratulations Roxxi!
Learning Ambassador | People Development | Servant Leader | MBA
1 年This is such a beautiful story Rosario Martinez. I also felt welcomed, loved, and embraced when I first met you. ? Thank you so much for modeling the way, inspring others to better their lives, and continuing to challenge yourself to live "no best, only better" ?? Congratulations on your promotion! You truly earned it and deserved it!!??
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1 年Congratulations Rosario ??
Owner operator, construction company at Anthony & son construction
1 年Have you actually gone in as a regular customer and got your food and asked for a little extra noodles and watch them give you one or two strands then tell them that there’s not enough orange chicken and I’ll give you a tiny little piece. That’s what we the public see, now if you’re Joe blow public and you go there and you get the same thing maybe you’ll know what we’re all talking about
Project Management | Sustainability | Employee Engagement
1 年Congrats on the recent promotion, Roxii! I love how you were reunited with your son and found a home at Panda wherever you went. ??