Chick-fil-A at The Centre of Glen Burnie
We are an AACPS: Business/Community Partnership | 2020 Business Partner of the Year Nominee
Recognized for their support of AACPS by Glen Burnie High School
Chick-Fil-A, through their Leader Academy and in conjunction with the sound stewardship of Melissa Windsor and Bill Johnson, has embraced the students of Glen Burnie High School and Anne Arundel County by fostering student growth, building their 21st century skills, and assisting them in turning their hopes and visions into reality. Chick-fil-A Leader Academy is a national high school leadership program focused on impact through action. They believe that the world needs more leaders who impact their local communities, and they believe high school students are the answer! The partnership with Chick-fil-A has given our students the opportunity to shine and serve their community.
In her role as the Director of Talent, Melissa Windsor has provided our students with the chance to develop and perform community changing and impactful service projects. As the support for the Chick-fil-A Leader Academy Melissa Windsor has provided many opportunities for our students to grow in their ability to lead and turn their vision into reality. Leadership and Service are critical areas of growth that this partnership provides to the students of Glen Burnie High School and all of Anne Arundel County. Chick-fil-A has also become a conduit for students to gain job experience and network for future career opportunities as employees in our local restaurants while still attending school.
This program was also possible because of the support of Operator, Bill Johnson. As Melissa Windsor shared, “It is because of Bill’s sponsorship through his Centre at Glen Burnie restaurant that we were able to partner with Glen Burnie High School to facilitate CFA Leader Academy. He leads with heart and care in everything that he does. He is deeply passionate about engaging, empowering and inspiring the youth to become servant leaders that impact their communities.”
Leader Academy also meets regularly to provide students with “labs” which develop their ability to craft a vision, develop leadership skills, communicate effectively, foster innovation, and work as a team to implement their vision. Melissa Windsor has been present for every one of these meetings providing her knowledge, experiences, and resources to ensure their success. She also attends the ICST (Integrated Community Stakeholders Team) meetings where she has become an active stakeholder in our students and community. And if that wasn’t enough, BIll Johnson spoke with students about servant leadership at the November Leader Lab, where he shared his journey to become an operator for Chick-fil-A.
For the students of Glen Burnie High School this has been a valuable partnership that has opened the eyes of many students, provided countless amazing experiences, and supported them as they walked through doors they previously perceived as closed to them.
