Organization: Helpings Café and Catering at UMOM New Day Centers
Title: Assistant Director Of Culinary Enterprises
Nominated by: Edwin Donnovan J., Director Of Culinary Enterprises
Dora has been with UMOM New Day Centers for nearly nine years, starting as a Line Cook in 2016. She advanced to Lead Line Cook in 2022, then Manager of Helpings Café and Catering, and now serves as Assistant Director of Culinary Enterprises since mid-2024.
What sets Dora apart is her unwavering “we will do it” and “whatever it takes” mentality. For Dora, the concept of the impossible simply doesn’t exist. She instills this mindset in the culinary team at Helpings Cafe and Catering. Dora’s kind, caring yet firm approach and commitment to nurturing talent and accountability inspire our staff and students to believe in themselves. This mentality has been instrumental in fostering internal promotions within the agency.
Dora measures her success not by her own achievements but by the success of those she leads and interacts with daily. Her unique attributes and dedication make her an invaluable asset to our team. Dora’s cool, calm, and caring demeanor has made her the go-to source teammates rely on.
A day in the life of Dora means engaging with the Helpings Cafe and Catering Manager and Coordinator to review menus, proposals, and upcoming events, ensuring everything runs smoothly and centers around optimal customer service and satisfaction. Dora’s routine involves calls and meetings with Cafe and catering customers to ensure their events exceed expectations. She also provides guidance and support to the manager of the Homegrown and Residential Dining programs.
Consistently checking in with staff, Dora addresses any needs promptly to maintain high morale, firmly believing that a happy, supported team delivers great customer service. She participates in staff meetings, ensuring their needs are met swiftly, while also considering financial and operational goals. Dora’s daily involvement is pivotal to the morale and success of the operations within the Culinary Enterprises program at UMOM New Day Centers, making her an integral part of the team.
Dora’s unwavering passion and commitment to quality operations and programs have significantly amplified Helpings Cafe’s impact within UMOM. The revenue generated by Helpings Café funds various supportive services, including the Homegrown training program. Dora’s caring approach and close partnership with instructors, students, and culinary team members have led to remarkable achievements: 67 trainees in the past fiscal year, with 94% completing half or the full six-week program and 81% graduating from the full Homegrown program. Furthermore, 67% of those completing one or both modules secured employment, while 81% of full-program graduates found jobs. Dora’s efforts have firmly positioned UMOM New Day Centers as a standard-bearer in the field of foodservice job training and social enterprise.
Dora attended the South West Regional Summit and Train the Trainer event, where the entire Helpings Café and Catering Team received certification. She also shared her expertise during the summit, discussing her successful revamp of seasonal menus that directly impact revenue outcomes at UMOM New Day Center’s Culinary Social Enterprise.
SPECIAL ALERT!
Thanks to a generous donation from a founding Catalyst Kitchens board member and friend of David Carleton, the Catalyst Kitchen’s Founder’s Fund has an opportunity to raise matching funds up to $5,000 during this year’s Catalyst for Change Award Season!
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Here are the 2024 Catalyst for Change. As you read their stories, consider supporting the work of Catalyst Kitchens and our members, enabling the amazing impact of frontline staff like our nominees.
