Her Story
About Gabriela
Gabriela Parck is the Director of Training for the Americas at Gong cha Global, where she leads training strategy across both corporate and franchise markets. With 30 years in food and beverage, 18 of them in leadership, she builds scalable learning systems that protect brand consistency, elevate the guest experience, and support new store openings and business growth.
Her career began in hands-on operations, including general manager roles at Raising Cane's Chicken Fingers and Goddess and the Baker. She joined Gong cha in 2022 as Manager of Training & Ops Systems for the Americas and advanced to Senior Manager of Training Operations and then Franchise Business Consultant. She stepped into her current role in March 2026. She is a Certified Tea Sommelier through the International Tea Masters Association, a ServSafe Proctor, and ServSafe certified. She is also pursuing her CFE certification through the IFA. She studied Business Administration and Management at Westwood College-Chicago Loop, where she earned Dean's List recognition.
Parck is passionate about developing people, with a particular commitment to empowering women in leadership. She credits a mentor who taught her to speak up and stay accountable, and a mother who worked hard as a single parent in the industry. Her advice to those entering the field is to ask questions, remain a student, and advocate for themselves.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Gabriela
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to a strong mentor who pushed me to speak up and held me accountable to my goals. She taught me that you will not keep moving up unless you speak up. I have also drawn inspiration from my mother, who worked tirelessly as a single mom in this industry. Today, I focus on mentoring others, especially women, so they can advance without anyone being left behind.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is to always remain a student and never be afraid to ask questions. Stay curious, continue learning, and pursue the things you’re passionate about. Invest in your education and experiences—not just to advance your career, but to continuously challenge yourself, grow personally, and become a better version of yourself along the way.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Don't be afraid to speak up, ask questions, and remain a student. If you don't understand something, ask. I have seen many people stay silent when they needed to speak up, and that silence will stall your development. You are your own biggest advocate. If you want something, you have to go after it and advocate for yourself.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges and opportunities in my field right now is keeping pace with how quickly the restaurant and franchise industry is evolving. Technology, automation, guest expectations, and operational standards are constantly changing, which means training has to evolve right alongside them.
For me, the biggest opportunity is finding ways to make training more accessible, engaging, and scalable without losing the human connection. Technology and e-learning are incredible tools, but people still need coaching, mentorship, and leaders who are willing to invest in their growth.
I also see a tremendous opportunity in developing the next generation of leaders. When we create strong training programs, provide people with the right tools, and give them opportunities to grow, we are not only improving operational performance—we are building confidence, creating career paths, and developing people who can eventually teach and elevate others. That is what makes training so rewarding to me.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that are most important to me, both personally and professionally, are leading by example, continuing to grow, and helping others see the potential in themselves.
My children are at the heart of everything I do. Being a strong role model for my girls is incredibly important to me. I want them to see that you can work hard, pursue your passions, continue your education, lead with kindness, and still always make time to lift others up along the way.
I try to bring those same values into my work. I want the people I work with to know that I am invested in their success and that I will always be there to coach, mentor, challenge, and support them. One of the most rewarding parts of leadership for me is seeing someone grow in their confidence and abilities and then watching them turn around and do the same for someone else.
If I can inspire my daughters and the people around me to believe in themselves, keep learning, and become leaders who elevate others, then I feel like I am doing something meaningful.
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