One in a series highlighting the Exchange’s commitment to developing careers and strengthening our mission of family serving family.
For Danita McFarland Jones, the inspiration behind the You Can Do It Too series is personal.
“I want our Exchange food teammates to see what’s possible,” said Jones, the Services, Food & Fuel Directorate’s vice president of food and theater. “There are so many opportunities in this organization—but sometimes you have to see others that have taken a different path, which is why we created this program”
Jones’ journey began in 1991 with a part-time job at Baskin-Robbins on Robinson Barracks in Stuttgart, Germany. What started as a summer job quickly turned into a career as she embraced the military lifestyle and discovered a passion for food service.
She worked her way through the ranks—from food service worker to team leader, and eventually, restaurant manager —before taking on roles across Europe, the Pacific, the United States and headquarters that led to additional positions that included region food and region retail specialist and Exchange General Manager. Along the way, she built a reputation for operational excellence, earned multiple degrees and grew into senior leadership roles, ultimately reaching her current assignment in August 2023.
“I didn’t start out thinking I’d lead the Food team,” Jones said. “I just focused on doing my best and taking advantage of opportunities as they came.”
That mindset is what she hopes to pass on through this series.
Jones said many associates in the field may feel comfortable in their current roles or unsure of what comes next, but she encourages them to think bigger.
“Don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone,” she said. “Share your goals, ask for guidance and keep pushing forward.”
Jones’ message for those currently in food positions is to look to other career cones and opportunities. Food is not the only career cone that’s available.
“You can build a meaningful, long-term career here,” she said. “Whether you stay in food or explore other areas of the Exchange, the opportunities are there.”
For Jones, the goal of the series is clear: Shine a light on those possibilities and inspire the next generation of leaders.
Because at the Exchange, you can do it too.
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