Cindy DABABNEH

• What was your very first job? 

HARPO Studios working on T.V. Promos, print ads, and radio spots for the Oprah Winfrey Show. 

• Please describe, in your own words, what your job is and what work it entails. 

I manage and oversee all food photography for McDonald’s, U.S. Marketing. When I am not bidding for a major project, I am ensuring brand consistency among all of our productions. Whether its digital, print or broadcast I work as a partner with our marketing team and advertising agency to make sure all productions follow McDonald’s Brand Guidelines. Along with these responsibilities I manage all productions in our studio at our new headquarters, in the West Loop as well as our Production Center in LA. 

• How did you discover that the creative world was right for you? Was there a time in your life that you credit to this discovery? What was there train of events that brought you to where you are today? 

I was lucky enough to intern at NBC studios, and met really inspiring mentors such as Art Norman and Anna Davlantes. Art Norman introduced me to one of Oprah’s producers at the time Candi Carter, who mentored me while I was at Harpo. Each one of these respected individuals played an important role in my career endeavors. I soon discovered that I wanted to stay in a creative environment but less of a concentration in broadcast news.

• In your constantly growing and expanding industry, how do you find inspiration to keep your work fresh, innovative and relevant? 

Networking is key, the more partners I can join forces with the better, the end result will be fresher and more innovative. Building relationships with people and understanding what inspires them and the work they do is what keeps me growing and wanting more. “It takes a Village” to make things happen and I am proud to be fortunate enough to be a part of a stellar team at McDonalds Corp.

• If you had to pick one piece of work or project that you are most proud of, more for the creative work and innovation it required, rather than its recognition or industry “success,” what would it be? 

I am most proud of the brands I have worked for, I cannot work for a brand that I know isn’t making a difference. Oprah, made a difference in the lives of people that watched her every day. I was Blessed to have the most amazing and innovative human that graced day-time T.V. as a mentor/boss. Now that I am at McDonalds Corp. I have grown to learn that not only is McDonalds the most recognized brand in the world, they also care about their community and their supplier partners. So much is given back they have such a strong culture and history. 

If I had to pick one project it would have to be, being a part of the Oprah Show finale, at the United Center. We pulled off one of the most epic surprises; with all of Oprah’s closest celebrity friends. It was no easy task and there were many sleepless nights. The experiences that I have been a part of during this time has built my work ethic and zest for life!