LAKELAND – Ma Yahnee Cabagui has done it again. The general manager at the McDonald’s restaurant on 4208-50th Street in Cold Lake has been awarded McDonald’s Canada’s 2025 Outstanding Manager of the Year, her second time receiving the national honour.
This award places her in the top five per cent of McDonald’s managers across more than 1,450 restaurants nationwide. It recognizes not only excellence in restaurant operations but also exceptional leadership and community involvement, according to information from the restaurant chain.
For Cabagui, who first earned the award in 2021, the recognition is as humbling as it is exciting.
“It was surprising when I learned I had gotten this award,” said Cabagui. “I’m honestly prouder of my team for helping me put my all into this work, they are at the heart of everything I do.”
Originally from the Philippines, Cabagui began her Canadian McDonald’s journey in 2014 as a food service supervisor in Cold Lake. She quickly proved her leadership potential, stepping into scheduling responsibilities and rising through the ranks to become general manager, and now Market People Lead for both Cold Lake and Bonnyville locations.
“I believe that I have been born a leader . . . that has been my gift given by God,” she said.
Over the last eight years as general manager, Cabagui has become known not only for her work ethic, managing both the Cold Lake and Bonnyville locations, but for her deep commitment to her team and community. For her, success is not about being at the top alone, it’s about lifting others up with her.
“I want everybody on top with me. So, everybody can be me eventually and I’m going to train everybody to become me.”
Cold Lake McDonald’s franchisee Maymunah Jutt praised Cabagui’s dedication and compassion, saying, “Yahnee is people-oriented, through and through. She always puts people first, loves directing and listening to whatever anyone needs. She has ketchup in her blood.”
That passion extends far beyond the restaurant. Cabagui is a regular supporter of local initiatives and charitable programs. She plays a key role in organizing McHappy Day events that involve local RCMP members, firefighters, military personnel, and elected officials coming together to raise funds for the Ronald McDonald House Charities.
She’s also involved in school hot lunch programs, the Positive Ticketing campaign for youth in Lakeland, and hopes to launch a kid-friendly McDonald’s workshop this summer.
“Community involvement is very important . . . we are not just into the business but really a part of the community as a family.”
She sees McDonald’s as more than just a workplace, but a platform for personal development, especially for young employees.
“This is a stepping stone for them with the confidence and the connection with other people . . . This is a very good experience in terms of public relation and the general communication of a person.”
Though she describes herself as a self-proclaimed workaholic, saying, “my life in Cold Lake and Bonnyville is just work, home, work, home,” Cabagui also says the award reflects not just her efforts, but the heart and hard work of an entire team.
“I more so feel like this award is for my people . . . I’m not here if they’re not there for me and work with me.”
