Ebony Magazine recently honored McDonald’s director of women’s initiatives, Vicky L. Free, at the magazine’s “Outstanding Women in Marketing & Communications” luncheon. The event, held at the New York Hilton and Towers on Thursday, April 14, was the magazine’s sixth annual awards luncheon recognizing African American women who are leaders in corporate marketing, advertising and journalism.

“We at McDonald’s are extremely proud of Vicky for receiving this much deserved honor,” says Bill Lamar, chief marketing officer, McDonald’s USA. “Her work over the past eight years in various marketing positions has helped shape the way many people feel about McDonald’s, and to tell our story throughout the African American, Asian and women markets.”

Among her accomplishments as Director of African American consumer marketing for the U.S., Free led development of McDonald’s 365Black™ Initiative, which recognizes and honors African American achievement and has been one of McDonald’s most successful programs to date. Today, she is responsible for leading the business building strategy targeted to women and for developing innovative programming that connects and motivates today’s contemporary women.