Marinella Serrano McKinnie

Marinella Serrano McKinnie is an experienced hospitality leader and training professional who serves as Training Director for a Chick-fil-A restaurant in Cornelius, North Carolina. In this role, she leads the development of new and existing team members by spending time on the front lines observing operations, coaching employees on customer service and soft skills, and providing personalized follow-up training. She also manages key operational responsibilities, including interviewing candidates, updating training materials, providing orientation to new hires, and overseeing administrative tasks. With more than 25 years of experience in training and management, Marinella has built a career centered on helping people grow personally and professionally while creating exceptional guest experiences. Marinella’s career began at Job Corps, where she started as a residential advisor and steadily advanced into leadership positions dedicated to mentoring and developing young adults. Over the years, she gained extensive experience in training, management, and program leadership, earning a reputation for her patient, hands-on teaching style and ability to connect with people from all backgrounds. After leaving high school early, she later earned her GED and, in her 40s, fulfilled a longtime educational goal by completing an Associate's degree at the University of Phoenix. Having recently relocated from the Northeast to North Carolina, she continues to bring her passion for leadership development and hospitality excellence to every role she undertakes. Throughout her career, Marinella has believed that great service begins with genuine care for people. She emphasizes empathy, patience, and understanding that every individual learns differently, tailoring her coaching approach to help each team member succeed. A dedicated mentor, she enjoys developing future leaders and encouraging them to recognize their potential. She advises young women entering the hospitality industry to ensure they have the heart for serving others, noting that technical skills can be taught, but compassion, kindness, and a sincere desire to help people are the qualities that truly define outstanding leadership. Guided by the principle of treating others as she would like to be treated, Marinella continues to make a lasting impact through service, mentorship, and authentic human connection.