McDonald’s Honors Happy Meal Creator Doña Yoly de Cofiño at Global Worldwide 2026 Convention

McDonald's celebrated the legacy of Yolanda “Doña Yoly” de Cofiño, creator of the iconic Happy Meal, during its Worldwide 2026 convention, highlighting how an idea born in Guatemala became one of the brand’s most recognized innovations across the globe.

The event, organized by McDonald’s Corporation every two years, took place during the first week of June in Las Vegas, United States. More than 13,000 leaders and employees from around the world attended the gathering, where Guatemala was recognized as the birthplace of an idea that continues to inspire the company internationally.

A Guatemalan Innovation That Reached Millions of Families

The Happy Meal was created in 1977 after Doña Yoly identified an opportunity to better serve families and children visiting McDonald’s restaurants. What began as a local initiative eventually evolved into one of the brand’s most enduring and recognizable products worldwide.

During the convention, the story behind the Happy Meal was highlighted as an example of how ideas developed with a clear purpose and focused on people can transcend borders and remain relevant for generations.

The recognition celebrated not only the product itself but also the vision that helped transform the experience of millions of children and families around the world.

McDonald’s Mesoamerica Reflects on Doña Yoly’s Legacy

Álvaro Cofiño, President of McDonald’s Mesoamerica, described the recognition as a meaningful moment for the region and for the company’s history.

“It was a very special and proud moment to see how the Happy Meal, an idea that was born here in Guatemala, continues to be a fundamental part of McDonald’s global history.”

He also emphasized the lasting impact of Yolanda de Cofiño’s contribution, noting that the recognition honors her legacy while reinforcing the company’s commitment to fostering a culture where innovative ideas emerge from its people and from listening closely to guests.

According to Cofiño, creating memorable experiences starts by understanding customers’ needs and transforming local ideas into initiatives capable of making a global impact.

Inspiration for Future Innovation

For Rodrigo Cofiño, Chief Restaurant Officer of McDonald’s Mesoamerica, the recognition demonstrates how a simple idea can create lasting connections among generations of families worldwide.

“We are very excited to see how an idea born in Guatemala continues bringing families of all ages together around the world.”

He added that the experience serves as a source of inspiration for the organization and reinforces the belief that strong ideas can evolve into extraordinary achievements when supported by a clear vision and commitment to execution.

Putting Families at the Center of the Brand

The global recognition of Doña Yoly de Cofiño and the Happy Meal reflects McDonald’s ongoing commitment to placing families at the center of its initiatives.

At the same time, the acknowledgment reinforces the company’s focus on continuous innovation across its operations and highlights how Guatemalan talent continues to influence the future of the brand on a global scale.

The recognition at Worldwide 2026 serves as a reminder that some of McDonald’s most impactful ideas have emerged from understanding customers’ needs and creating solutions that resonate across cultures and generations. Nearly five decades after its creation, the Happy Meal remains one of the strongest examples of how local innovation can leave a lasting mark on a global brand.