Jahaira’s love for cooking blossomed in her grandmother’s kitchen, where she learned to make her favorite family recipes. But the road to pursuing her culinary dreams was far from easy.
Jahaira faced serious hardships, including homelessness and bankruptcy, forcing her to live in her car for eight months. Despite these challenges, she never lost sight of her passion. While working as a host at a large Italian restaurant, Jahaira dreamed of moving into the kitchen, eager to explore the world of cooking more deeply. It was then that a past student graduate, recognizing her drive and talent, suggested Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida’s Culinary Training Program as a way forward.
When she joined, Jahaira knew it was her opportunity to break into the culinary industry. Like many students, she had to “rewire” her thinking about cooking—rethinking techniques she thought she already knew. For instance, she was accustomed to making green salsa by boiling or roasting the ingredients. But under the guidance of Chef Israel Santiago, she discovered a new technique: charring the vegetables over an open flame, unlocking deeper, richer flavors.
Beyond technical skills, Jahaira also gained valuable life lessons.
“Patience is key to success in life, and in cooking too!” she says, reflecting on how a lack of patience could spoil a dish.
With her newfound confidence, Jahaira now feels more in control and able to add her own creative touch to her dishes. Her artistry, once reserved for visual art, has now found its way into how she prepares and plates food.
“The program is a beautiful blessing,” Jahaira shares.
While she’s learned a tremendous amount, she knows her education doesn’t end here. Ready to embrace the challenges ahead, Jahaira looks forward to starting her next chapter in a local hospitality company. “I have a lot to learn, but I’m excited and ready to step into the industry.”
