At the height of the hiring frustrations and tensions in the 2020 era of COVID, Sallisha Griffth-Augustine sat at a socially distanced table on the third floor of Fulton St., a sixteen year old student among seven other candidates.
The restaurant sought new full-time Team Members to fill the holes in the schedule created by the unique demands of the pandemic and the increasing sales as the city slowly grew back to life. The directors had no intention to hire any teenagers, not because of their youth, but because their availability according to Labor Laws didn’t align with the needs of the business.
But Lisha’s first impression of confidence, humility and purpose overwhelmed those expectations and led to her joining the incredible and rebuilding COVID-era crew of 144 Fulton St.
Born and raised in Brooklyn, Lisha’s family originally hails from Grenada. Both of her parents are from the beautiful Caribbean island known as the Isle of Spice, and moved to the States to create a better life for their family. The youngest of five siblings, Lisha is the first in her family to attend school in NYC, and cites her entire family as the inspiration behind her passion for excellence.
Although both of her parents have supported her journey, their separation at an early age forced her to make hard decisions about her future, choices made more difficult in a legal system with complexities beyond the capacity of young children.
As she learned how to navigate the streets of NYC and excelled in school, she soon developed ambitions to become a lawyer herself. It was her clear expression of those desires in the original interview that led to the job offer from the leadership of Fulton St.
“Knowing I can help people, especially younger people is something that aspires me to become a lawyer. I knew what was going on at the time but I want to let kids out there know that they are not the only ones going through situations like that.”
She also lost a father figure to gun violence when she was 10 years old, a tragedy that helped shape her into a person of compassion and perseverance, attributes she’s had to tap into during the ongoing battle in NYC with the effects of COVID.
“My mom lost her job due to the pandemic, and with my sister the only one working…it made me want to get up and make money on my own.”
With finances tight, Lisha sought her first paying job to help, turning to the Chick-fil-A where her and her friends used to gather after school, laughing and enjoying the food and hospitality. After impressing the leadership during the interview, and accepting the job offer, she soon impressed the rest of the Team with her professionalism and magnetic personality.
“The team at Fulton Street is like a second family to me. Even though I’m the youngest, I get treated with respect and kindness. I have formed great relationships with a lot of people there. I love when guests say ‘Thank you, Lisha.’ It makes me feel like I stood out to them when they acknowledge my name.”
Now almost halfway through her senior year, Lisha looks back on the struggles of her twelve years in education, knowing she has more to go, but is comforted knowing her commitment to the future is going to help others.
“Everyone is always telling me it gets harder…but I am inspired by my parents and family. I come from parents that left their country for better opportunities for me and theirselves. I’m also inspired by my hard work and dedication to the life I want to build for myself.”
Her hard work is paying off academically…and professionally. At 17, she’s the youngest shift leader in the history of Fulton St., a position she’s earned by demonstrating the hospitality and operational excellence Chick-fil-A is known for. Her spirit also echoes the famous words of Truett Cathy who always reminded people that no goal was too high if you climbed with care and confidence.
“When people hear my story, I want them to know hard work pays off! Growing up there was always food to eat and a roof over my head but my mom worked very hard to ensure that we were safe and living a decent life. Many times, we would struggle but she always found a way. Anything is possible if you keep your head straight and focus on what you want. Anything is achievable.”