Nazifa Janetkhan’s journey began as a young refugee from Afghanistan, with no experience in a kitchen and no knowledge of Arabic or English. Encouraged by her brother, she applied for a job at McDonald’s. Her hard work paid off quickly; within five months, she became a manager trainee, and over the years, built a beautiful family.

What she found in the UAE was more than just a job—it became home. She fell in love with the country’s warmth, its inclusivity, and the kindness of its people, which reminded her of her own childhood. The UAE offered her a sense of belonging, and it was here that she learned to lead from the heart. The country's open-mindedness and commitment to diversity helped shape her both personally and professionally, making her feel truly valued.

Today, Nazifa is the first woman to win the Ray Kroc Award and serves as the Director of Training at McDonald’s UAE. From a refugee to a leader in a thriving company, her story is a testament to the transformative power of empathy and inclusion.