Chef Jenkins has been a Bulldog since day one. Since the school’s opening in 2009, her culinary course has exceeded to new lengths. Her passion and drive was recently supported by the Humble ISD Education Foundation’s “Calling All Chefs” initiative.
Having awarded over 2,000 grants already, the Humble ISD Education Foundation has positively influenced Chef Jenkins and her students.
“It helped fund students getting more access to KitchenAids, so we have more Smallwares and equipment,” Chef Jenkins said. “The culinary arts program has grown exponentially. Instead of having 4 to 5 Kitchen Aids, now we have up to 14.”
A commercial grade kitchen requires commercial grade equipment and the “Calling All Chefs” initiative has allowed students to fully utilize Summer Creek’s kitchen.
“I love seeing kids in this environment, in this element, thriving and taking on leadership roles,” Jenkins commented.
The ability to provide her students with the space and tools to be a leader ties directly into her motto; Empowered people empower people. The success of her students is what allows her to thrive as a teacher.
Constantly looking to innovate her course, Chef Jenkins is envisioning an advanced culinary class: a food truck laboratory, and currently applying for grants to fund her ideas.
“I really would love for students to get the opportunity to be more innovative with street food.” Jenkins expressed.
Once students learn the classical side of Culinary 1, they can advance to Culinary 2 and experiment with global and trendy cuisine, even making and presenting their own menus. Chef Jenkins also aims to increase mobility in her program and considers it a game changer.
“We are asked to do a lot in the community, so even trying to have our own catering vehicle would be a great vessel to help our students showcase more in the community.” Jenkins said.
