Presenting the First Class of the POIC CHEF Academy
The graduated inaugural cohort of the POIC CHEF Academy.
As of April 26th, 2023, five new chefs completed their training and are ready to enter the culinary and hospitality industry. The graduation ceremony was filled with tears of pride and joy from mentors, POIC staff, and loved ones who witnessed the culmination of over a decade of dreaming and planning for the POIC Kitchen and the Culinary + Hospitality Emergent Fellowship (CHEF) Academy to become a reality. This inaugural cohort has set the bar high for future cohorts and established a lasting legacy of excellent food and talent. Their hard work and dedication inspire us.
During the graduation ceremony, Chef Kiara Hardy, the Culinary Director of the POIC Kitchen, congratulated the graduates and emphasized that they can now work "as a professional in any kitchen you set foot in." In her keynote speech, Chef Kiara highlighted that the cohort not only acquired knowledge of culinary techniques and equipment but also learned about the service component of food and creating memorable experiences for guests. She defined the term 'emergent' as the process of becoming prominent and asked the graduates if they felt like they had evolved over the last twelve weeks. Both the trainees and their families responded with a resounding “yes!”
CEO + President of POIC + RAHS receives an honorary chef coat and Visionary Award from Chef Kiara Hardy.
The CHEF Academy provides a unique opportunity as a full-time paid study program that introduces trainees to a network of professional culinary connections—setting up each trainee for success after completion. Chef Kiara highlighted that this program is distinctive in offering young people an opportunity to receive intensive training, all while being compensated. President and CEO of POIC + RAHS, Joe McFerrin II, envisioned removing the cost barrier by funding the curriculum and paying the trainees. Additionally, the cohort's relationships with industry professionals and the local community will prove beneficial, establishing lasting bonds that will develop and guide their future career paths.
The Graduates:
The graduates left to right: Jahraya Matthews, Morrison Reed, Nathan Lively, Isaac Frias, and Shalonda Meaux.
Bottom right corner: Chef Duoshun, Chef Kiara, and President + CEO of POIC + RAHS, Joe McFerrin II.
Graduates impacted by the Academy
“I know the nourishment poured into the last twelve weeks we spent together will impact me for the rest of my life.”
During the graduation ceremony, Morrison, one of five graduates, surprised the program directors, Chefs Kiara and Duoshun, by delivering an impromptu speech to express gratitude for the nourishment they imparted during the twelve weeks of the program.
Morrison’s family showed up to celebrate the momentous evening. Her mother, grateful for the Academy, shared, “As a momma and a community member, this program is catalytic. In the last twelve years, I had a young person who was already a great cook, and you guys developed a chef.” Morrison expressed that the biggest takeaway from her experience at the CHEF Academy was learning how to hold sacred space for her passion for cooking, stating that the POIC Kitchen is a “magical place,” and she hopes to take that magic with her in her future endeavors.
Left to right: Crystal Chanel, CHEF Academy graduate Morrison Reed, POIC Culinary Director Chef Kiara Hardy, and Morrison’s mother.
Morrison’s special Chef nails for the occasion, sporting flames, kitchen knives, and “Yes, Chef,” on the thumbnails.
Take advantage of this incredible opportunity and get paid to train in the culinary arts! Applications will soon be open for the next cohort that begins in June.
