We love it when DCCK grads find jobs. We love it even more when grads find mentors at their place of employment. That is exactly what’s happened for recent class 102 graduate, Takia Jenkins. Takia graduated on January 5th, and just last week was hired to work full-time at Ris, the upscale neighborhood restaurant owned by former DCCK board member, Chef Ris Lacoste.
Takia’s life hasn’t been easy, but she came to DCCK ready to work and ready to make a change. She worked hard – every day impressing her peers, chef instructors, and DCCK staff alike. DC Central Kitchen Production Manager William Ferrell remembers saying about Takia: “This girl can work. Any time Class 102 is in the kitchen, send her to me.”
When Chef Ris met Takia at this year’s Capital Food Fight, she knew she had met someone special. She asked Culinary Job Training Director Marianne Ali to introduce her after seeing Takia’s take-charge personality and positive attitude working the Tyson Foods booth at the event. Afterwards, Ali recalls: “Chef Ris told Takia that she wanted to set up a time to meet with her and gave Takia her contact information. I hugged Ris and thanked her, and Ris said, ‘no, thank you – I want this girl to work for me!’”
Takia finished her internship with The Ritz-Carlton Pentagon City, graduated from DCCK, and began working full-time at Ris on January 18th.
In a week when we’re doing so much to promote and prepare for our foodie fundraiser Sips & Suppers, outstanding gourmet chefs in every kitchen of our DC restaurant and hospitality partners are providing jobs and internships for our students and supporting DCCK year-round. Thank you for all you do to support DCCK!