At Meoli Companies, we believe in empowering our people to pursue their dreams—no matter where they’re starting from or how long the journey may take. That’s why we’re incredibly proud to celebrate La’Rie Jackson, assistant manager at our Dover 1 McDonald’s, who will soon accomplish a deeply personal milestone: walking across a college graduation stage.

La’Rie’s path hasn’t been easy. Originally from Wilmington, she moved to Dover in 2019 to be closer to her daughter following the tragic loss of her youngest son. “I was in a real dark spot,” she said. “So, I needed a change.”

After leaving high school in 10th grade and raising five children, La’Rie eventually earned her GED in her twenties—but finding work with limited experience and a busy home life remained challenging. Everything changed in March 2019, when she joined the McDonald’s team. Just before turning 50, she made another big decision: to go back to school and pursue a college degree.

Through the Archways to Opportunity program—funded by McDonald’s and supported by Meoli Companies—La’Rie enrolled at Colorado Technical University. She majored in business science with a concentration in management, completing one online course every five weeks. Her determination paid off: she recently graduated with a 3.84 GPA.

“My biggest motivator… I think it was losing my son,” La’Rie shared. “But I have three grandsons. So, I wanted to show them that if I can do it at my age, y’all can do it.”

Now, she’s preparing to walk across the graduation stage in Colorado—something she’s dreamed of her entire life. To mark the moment, Meoli Companies is proud to fly La’Rie and her three daughters to attend the ceremony in person.

“It’s not just about having the degree,” she said. “Emotionally, mentally—it’s such a confidence builder.”

President Mike Meoli expressed his admiration for La’Rie’s journey. “She epitomizes what it is to be a McDonald’s team member and represents the very best of the McDonald’s brand. We are so proud to be part of her story.”

While La’Rie is taking time to celebrate this accomplishment, she’s already thinking about what’s next: possibly a master’s degree—another goal Meoli Companies is ready to support.

“That might be my next step,” she said with a smile.

Congratulations, La’Rie. Your strength, perseverance, and heart inspire us all.