The David Carleton Catalyst for Change Award

Toya Crosby embodies the essence of dedication, passion, and excellence in her role at Reconcile New Orleans. What truly sets her apart is her unique ability to build authentic relationships with the students she works with. She doesn’t just mentor or educate; she connects on a personal level, creating a supportive and empowering environment for young adults striving to build a better future. Toya’s commitment to these relationships is unwavering, and her presence brings a sense of stability and trust to the environment.

Chef Delphia’s daily commitment to Blessings From My Heart To Your Table is truly exceptional. From being the first to arrive and the last to leave, she selflessly dedicates herself to the survivors of abuse in the program. Her role is multi-faceted and vital. Delphia meticulously manages inventory, ensuring that supplies and resources are readily available. She provides comprehensive wrap-around services, offering not just culinary training but also emotional and practical support to the survivors.

Vanessa’s journey with Providence began as an alum in 2007, and she worked her way up through our culinary community, ultimately earning the title of Executive Chef at the High Point Country Club. Since joining Providence in 2014, Chef Vanessa has been instrumental in the success of numerous PCT students, mentoring her staff with a firm yet caring hand.

Congratulations to our 2022 winner, Marisa Peña of Breadline, Alaska, and their Stone’s Throw Cafe and training program. Chef Marisa rises to every new challenge as they come & always performs with the utmost excellence, compassion, professionalism & style. We applaud her work, and look forward to delivering this years grant and working with her team on a few additional perks to send her way.

Her day begins with heading into YouthWorks’ kitchen, checking in with trainees and staff members to get the crew prepared for making 150 emergency shelter meals, including breakfast, lunch and dinner. Afterwards, she cooks in-house meals for YouthWorks’ crews and office staff. While leading those tasks, she manages a team of 15-20 staff and trainees throughout the day as they prepare and distribute meals for numerous sites across Santa Fe.

When hitting a rough patch in life, a listening ear and compassionate spirit can make all the difference. Meet Carla Domingo, workforce development employment navigator at Forge City Works, a longtime restauranteur turned teacher and counselor for youth and adult culinary training students. She has walked alongside students for six years throughout their transition from student to intern to employee and is our 2019 Catalyst for Change Award winner.

We recognize that it takes a village to drive successful culinary job training programs; from delivering life skills to demonstrating knife cuts in the kitchen, there are many hands involved in supporting students. The Catalyst for Change Award was created in 2015 to recognize exemplary individuals within our network for their dedication and embodiment of their organization’s mission. We want to shine a spotlight on those dedicating their time, passion, and resources to guide their students towards a successful career path in foodservice.

Idalia Nuñez has been a part of the SHFBCF Culinary Training Program since its very beginning, in 2013, and has helped create a program where “students are valued, respected, supported and trained for a healthy self-sufficient life.” Through her diligent efforts, the program has maintained a remarkable 100% job placement rate for graduates over the five years of operations. Idalia is committed to the Life Skills portion of the curriculum and is “always seeking out and fostering excellent relationships with employers and working tirelessly to secure sustainable streams of revenue to keep the program strong and meaningful.”

Tasheena Butler directs all culinary training activities for Liberty’s Kitchen’s Youth Development Program, providing disconnected youth with workforce and life skills training to become employed and self-sufficient. She is described by her colleagues as “the lynchpin of Liberty’s Kitchen,” a “charismatic leader” who is an innovative and skilled teacher.

The first recipient of this award is the very special Chef Marianne Ali, Director of Culinary Job Training at DC Central Kitchen. Marianne embodies the spirit of this award; she has given her heart and talent to supporting student goals and the success of DCCK.