Mya Smith-Edmonds, a native of Houston, Texas, is the first female African-American Next Generation McDonald’s owner/operator, owning seven McDonald’s Restaurants in Central Indiana. She serves as a board member in the Indianapolis region and has earned the Trailblazer Award for the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO Indianapolis), was a recipient of the Galore “Distinction Award” and was featured in Indy Metro Magazine.
At 13, Smith-Edmonds began working at her father’s McDonald’s where she developed her strong work ethic, accountability, discipline and focus. Smith-Edmonds graduated Magna Cum Laude from University of Houston with a Bachelor of Arts in Accounting and minor in African-American Studies. She went on to become a Certified Public Accountant completing her internship at Deloitte & Touche, one of the largest accounting firms in the world.
During her career development years, Smith-Edmonds earned various awards as a Program Director with KCOH Radio Station and numerous more as an Independent Business Owner with Ameriplan USA. Committed to helping others build their businesses utilizing biblical principles, Smith-Edmonds was awarded the honor of becoming the youngest National Sales Director and earned the privilege of speaking on several panels during the yearly Ameriplan National Conventions.
In 2008, Smith-Edmonds embarked on her ultimate dream; following in her father’s footsteps and becoming a successful McDonald’s Owner. During her required 2-5-year program, which she completed with highest honors on every level, she became a General Manager and was awarded the Ray Kroc Award, an honor given to the top 1% performers in the McDonald’s system.
Smith-Edmonds is also the VP of the non-profit organization the Smith Foundation, Inc. whose mission is to help send children to college, supply school supplies and collect Christmas toys for underprivileged schools and communities.
Smith-Edmonds is grateful and inspired to continue to be a blessing to others and the Kingdom of God. She is a public speaker and has a genuine heart and special love for children. She enjoys coordinating community give-a-ways with local businesses and avidly supporting empowerment youth programs like Ladies of Great Purpose and the Positive Black Male Association “Reaching Youth Everywhere RYE Program”.
Smith-Edmonds was awarded “Woman of the Year” by PBMA, in which she received recognition from United States Congresswomen Sheila Jackson Lee and Sylvia Garcia, Mayor of the City of Houston Sylvester Turner and Houston City Council At-Large, Position 4 Amanda K. Edwards.
Smith-Edmonds is co-Author of the book, “When Married Women Speak!”
What she loves most is serving God and being a wife to her amazing husband, Emmanuelle Edmonds.
