NRAEF : Blog

Chicago Chef Looks to Change Lives Through Culinary Mentoring

by | Feb 8, 2023 | Blog Post, HOPES, ProStart

ProStart, HOPES Programs Change Lives

One of the best things about NRAEF’s development programs is not just how they can change lives but how the individuals who take part in them go on to change the lives of others.

Chicago chef Lakisha Hunter, who goes by Chef K, was a former gang leader who credits her ProStart high school culinary arts teacher with inspiring her to turn her life around. She is now a trainer with HOPES (Hospitality Opportunities for People Reentering Society) where she mentors young people at Lawrence Hall, a community-based service agency committed to helping heal the effects of childhood trauma.

Recently, Chef Kisha was profiled on NBC 5 Chicago, where she discussed living her purpose as a mentor to young adults and kids who need a hand up in life.

 

Latest Blog Posts

PODCAST – ProStart: Educating Tomorrow’s Industry Leaders

Chef Patrick Phelan, 2023 ProStart® Teacher of the Year, shares insights on mentoring the next generation of restaurant workers and the value of the ProStart Program’s hands-on curriculum! Phelan was just recognized on-stage during the 2023 National ProStart Invitational in Washington, DC.

A Capitol Gingerbread House to Remember

On November 29th, two students from Valencia College School of Culinary Arts and Hospitality, Molly Donahue and Faith Weber presented their vegan gingerbread house replica of the United States Capitol at the U.S. House of Representatives

National Apprenticeship Week Events – 11/14-11/20

During the U.S. Department of Labor’s National Apprenticeship Week, the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF) is celebrating the growth of industry apprenticeship and the potential it offers for the future of the industry workforce. See our calendar of NAW events.


Blog Archives

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  • 2020 (8)

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