Some comadres were interviewed about being Latina and their stories of success and drive were captured on video.

Laura Lopez Cano, the talented visual artist specializing in positive images of Latinas, talks about how her art is inspired by the culture.

Dr. Ana Nogales, the successful psychologist, author, and humanitarian; talks about empowering Latinas to overcome serious challenges.

Addy Perez Mau, owner/designer of Heaven Sent Jewelry, consultant with the Institute of Women Entrepreneurs, & future author talks about being an entrepreneur, stay at home mom and taking her business international.

McDonald’s Latina Think Tank

Southern California Regional Comadrazo held on April 26, 2008 in Whittier, California

Comadres Think Tank ImageThe Las Comadres Southern California Comadrazo was the start of a unique and personal relationship between McDonald’s and Las Comadres. McDonald’s sponsored the Latina Think Tank where comadres joined McDonald’s Latino leaders to discuss bi-ethnic identity and what McDonald’s could do to strengthen bonds with Latinas and their communities.

There was a strong camaraderie among Comadres who were buzzing with excitement at the Comadrazo. When they were with other comadres, they said, it felt like they were with cousins or sisters because they live parallel lives. Comadres were of different origins, generations, and socioeconomic status, yet they had a common desire to nurture their culture and help each other get ahead because “that’s what comadres do.”

Comadres Think Tank ImageMcDonald’s showed the faces behind the company that helped cast McDonald’s in a different light from what many expected. Comadres were pleased with how McDonald’s came to participate in the Comadrazo and listen to what Latinas had to say. 

McDonald’s leaders beamed with respect for Las Comadres, the Hispanic community, and the thousands of Latino employees who work alongside them.  McDonald’s was anxious to make note of quality initiatives made over the past several years. Comadres were surprised that there were many myths and misconceptions about McDonald’s and the quality of their food.

What Comadres DID NOT know about McDonald's food
  • McDonald’s sells more salads than any other fast food restaurant in the nation. Lettuce gets to restaurants 3 days before it gets to supermarkets.
  • McDonald’s uses 100% beef in its burgers, no additives, nothing more than salt & pepper.
  • McDonald’s sells more chicken than Kentucky Fried Chicken. That chicken is bought from suppliers like Tyson, the same who sell chicken at the grocery store.

What Comadres DID NOT know about
McDonald's as a company
  • McDonald’s gives away $1.5 million in scholarships to Hispanics every year through HACER
  • About 1/3 of McDonald's employees and owner operators are Hispanic

Rafael Herrera, Owner/Operator, McDonald's restaurant:

"Anyone that wants to come in to my business, please do so. You can grab anything from my refrigerator and eat it. I love teacher tours because I show the freezer, refrigerator, and get those myths put down. They are not true, the yogurt is Danon, the same thing you buy at the store. When I hear people talk about McDonald's, I figure they will be surprised by the great things we have done--all of us as owner operators."

Comadre Nutritionist:

“What I’ve heard today is contrary to everything I heard before. Right now I sense an equilibrium that people can eat at McDonald’s & come to my nutrition club too.”

Dr. Ana Nogales, psychologist, author, humanitarian:

“I congratulate you for being here today & want you to continue to support us so it can be a two-way communication. If you are more involved with the community, with Las Comadres, I can assure that you will win our loyalty. We grew up with you & you grew up with us. Both of us, together.”