How One Chick-fil-A Scholarship Winner Uses Her Experiences to Give Back to Others

Meet Kayla Vance, one of 12 2024 Chick-fil-A True Inspiration scholarship winners

“Never in a million years did I think CEO Andrew Cathy would show up at my local Chick-fil-A restaurant looking for me,” said Chick-fil-A Estrella Parkway director Kayla Vance, one of the 12 2024 Chick-fil-A True Inspiration Scholarship winners. 

Meet Kayla Vance 

A regular at her local Chick-fil-A in Arizona, Kayla and her daughter, Kaylin were waiting in the drive thru when a Restaurant Team Member jokingly asked when Kayla was going to join their team. 

At first, she laughed it off, thinking of the 100+ reasons why a career change was not convenient. What if her new schedule didn’t allow her to care for her daughter as a single mom? Would she enjoy the new change of pace? Although she was familiar with the quick-service restaurant environment, starting a new job would be an adjustment. 

However, the longer she considered it, the more appealing a career at Chick-fil-A seemed. So, after much thought, Kayla applied to become a Team Member in May 2022. Little did she know that the decision would be life changing for her family. 

Endless Opportunities 

Shortly after Kayla joined the Chick-fil-A team, local Owner-Operator Bruce Ploeser and his administrator, Annie Backus sat down with her to encourage her to apply for a Remarkable Futures Scholarship, Chick-fil-A, Inc.’s scholarship initiative for restaurant Team Members. Knowing Kayla was currently working her way through school and with her experience working at the restaurant, they knew that she would be a strong candidate for Chick-fil-A's scholarship. 

Shortly after finalizing her application, Kayla was surprised with $25,000 scholarship by Chick-fil-A CEO Andrew Cathy during a restaurant shift.  

“There’s no playbook to being a mom – let alone a single mom. It takes a village and I’ve had the best of the best at Chick-fil-A,” said Kayla. “My Chick-fil-A family, especially Bruce and Annie, saw something in me that for a long time, I couldn’t see myself. They encourage me and believe in both me and my daughter in a way I’ve never experienced, and it’s a really great feeling. This scholarship means the world to me, and I am just so grateful to Chick-fil-A and all they have done for me and my family.” 

A Network of Support 

Having served as a Team Member for more than two years, Kayla is currently as a fulfillment director at Chick-fil-A Estrella Parkway in Goodyear, Ariz., where she oversees fast and accurate ordering. Outside of the restaurant, Kayla still has her role at Chick-fil-A on her mind and is currently pursuing a degree in business management, where she hopes to continue her journey with Chick-fil-A – an opportunity that wouldn’t have been possible without taking that leap of faith two years ago. 

In addition to her professional and academic pursuits, Kayla spends her free time giving back to other single moms through a monthly support group. With the help of her best friend, Lexus, Kayla creates gift baskets for single moms, complete with everything they might need depending on their season of motherhood – from pregnancy baskets complete with diapers, wipes and newborn clothing, to baskets for older families such as books and toys. 

With mentors like Bruce and Annie by her side, Kayla’s journey is an inspiring example of turning challenges into opportunities, while uplifting others along the way.