Cooperative Education Internship Program

Waitress with over 3+ years of experience providing a positive attitude, excellent with service to diners at quality establishments. Familiar with POS terminals and common restaurant machinery, looking to leverage my knowledge and experience into waitressing.

Experienced bartender with 8 years of dedicated service in the hospitality industry. Proven track record of delivering exceptional customer service, crafting creative cocktails, and maintaining a vibrant and engaging atmosphere. Seeking to leverage my expertise and passion for mixology to contribute to a dynamic and thriving establishment.

My name is Jamie Castillo, I am 19 years old. I was born in California, lived in Georgia for plenty of years and I’ve been living here in Texas for about 3 years. I have a variety of hobbies such as designing new things, crocheting, connecting with nature, I love animals, etc. I got into cooking at a very young age. I’ve learned and am still learning a variety of different skills and techniques which I will use further in my career. I love how my chefs have different ways in designing plates, cooking and giving it their own hint of “love” in their food. I really believe that one day I would get to that point where I and others would be satisfied with my variety of food and pastries.

Selena Collins is a dedicated and disciplined professional, bringing a wealth of experience from her eight years of service in the United States Navy. Her time in the military has instilled in her a strong work ethic, leadership skills, and a passion for service, which she now channels into her culinary pursuits. Selena is committed to giving back to her community through her volunteer efforts. She actively volunteers with Feeding San Diego, helping to combat food insecurity, and supports fellow veterans through her work at The Veterans Home. Selena's blend of culinary education, military experience, and community service makes her a unique and valuable participant in the IDDBA Food Internship Program. She's currently pursuing an Associate of Science in Applied Science for French Cuisine.

Hi, I'm Irene Fiszer, a baking and pastry arts student at the Culinary Institute Lenotre. I'm passionate about crafting desserts that combine playful designs with interesting flavors, inspired by my colorful roots in the Rio Grande Valley. As a creative individual, I aim to blend my skills in food writing, styling, and photography to bring unique culinary experiences to life. I look forward to making my mark in the world of food media and beyond!

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I am a restaurant industry employee seeking to elevate myself within the culinary arts. Ever since I was young, I have had a passion for cooking and especially baking. Nothing makes me happier than when I am creating beautiful and delicious foods. In my free time, I love perfecting recipes or experimenting with new ones. I enrolled at Culinary Institute LeNotre in March 2023 to pursue my passion and to achieve a higher education. I anticipate graduating in March 2025. I am excited to pursue a career in the baking and pastry industry.

Alexis Bianca McGee, a rising star in the culinary world, is a passionate pastry chef hailing from the vibrant city of Houston, Texas. However, her journey began amidst the bustling streets of Los Angeles, California, where her deep-rooted love for the culinary arts first took hold.

Driven by an insatiable curiosity and an unwavering passion for exploring diverse cultures, Alexis's culinary creations are a vibrant tapestry of flavors and influences from around the world. Her culinary adventures and extensive travels have shaped her unique perspective on food, infusing her creations with an exquisite blend of global inspiration and creative innovation.

My name is Ricardo Osorio, I'm 19 years old and I’m a student at the Culinary Institute LeNotre school. I’m expected to graduate May 2025 and hope to continue my culinary journey and open a steakhouse. I currently have been in the culinary industry for around 6 months having both baking and pastry and cuisine experience.

My name is Jeffery Ponce. I’m a soon-to-be culinary arts graduate. I’ve been in the food industry for nearly 3 and a half years. I love what I do, especially when it comes to baking - it brings out my creativity.

Instagram: @jeffbakess
Tiktok: @jeffbakess
Facebook: Jeffbakess

My name is Frida and I am a second year culinary student. My goal this year is to network so that I can learn from the many talented people who work in the industry.

I was born in February of 1983. My grandmother played a key part in my love for cooking and making people feel happy and loved through a meal. I have always had a love for cooking but did not originally start pursuing professional until later in life. I am married and we have six children between us. My kids are now developing their love for food and cooking as I grow. We are becoming a family of foodies. I love to learn. In my spare time I cook, I watch cooking shows and videos, I read all sorts of cooking books and magazines, and have discovered I also love the art aspect of plating and presentation. I would love to gather as much knowledge and experience as possible so that I can one day start a successful food business.

My name is Isabella and I am a motivated student with excellent communication and interpersonal skills looking to gain valuable experience in a professional setting. I have almost two years' experience working in customer service and have earned a 100% ranking in a secret shop on multiple occasions. I work effectively and quickly with any group of people and am a fast learner in any kind of environment.

My name is Angie Tamez. I have experience in culinary arts and baking. I am highly motivated and enjoy expressing my creativity with innovative and new dishes. I provide excellent customer service and uphold strict food safety and hygiene regulations.

Instagram: @angieee_foodcreations
Instagram: @angel.s.sweet.and.tasty

I am an amateur chef always looking to improve my cooking skills one way or another. Before I even started culinary school I knew I had an affinity for cooking, I’ve always loved it and it always made me and the others around me happy when I cooked. Cooking is a passion for me that I fully realized once I worked in a kitchen in 2018. In 2023 I spontaneously applied to go to the Culinary Institute of Lenotre and was accepted and got to meet many great chefs there. I love learning from them and they usually take a liking to me.

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My name is Isabella Collins and I am a senior at Orange Coast College for the Advanced Baking and Pastries Certificate with a recurring 4.0. I am naturally a hard worker and creative; have good time management and attention to detail; and am not afraid of being a leader for others. I am an aspiring bakery owner currently with 7 years in the industry including front and back of the house experience. I have worked in television show competition winning bakeries for back of the house experience and restaurants for front of the house experience. Currently for the start of my business I focus on allergy friendly baked goods, classic baked goods and decorated cakes while creating specified orders for family, friends and clients such as Eader Elementary School for their end of the year party. The kitchen is what truly makes me happy and I am so excited to do what I truly love.

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Culinary Arts student at Orange Coast College with previous experience in ecommerce logistics and fulfillment operations. I have a ServSafe Manager certificate as well as a ServSafe Alcohol and RBS certificate. Seeking work experience while I finish culinary school with the goal of becoming a professional chef.

Hello, my name is Amber Alevis. I am 39 years old, residing in Fountain Valley, California. I am finally pursuing my culinary career after accomplishing over a decade in the beauty industry as a hairstylist/colorist. My grandmother has always been a huge inspiration for me, I want to follow in her footsteps and accomplish the things she never could. I am currently enrolled at Orange Coast college, double majoring in culinary and pastry arts. I am so excited to have the chance to strengthen my skill and gain hands on experience from experts. I have trade show work experience, as I have worked and attended numerous IBS Beauty shows. My time at these shows entailed building up and breaking down stations and doing demonstrations in front of large audiences.

I have been cooking since I was a little child which was a result of being surrounded by many military mothers who took care of me as a youngster, growing up among a diversity of families, and had a father who was a first class chef in the Navy. As an adult my love of food continued, but I pursued a career in other industries. However, I believe my previous education, personal and professional experiences have led me to where I am today – a culinary student. I have a strong financial and construction background in designing commercial/residential kitchens, building restaurants, and growing organic gardens on land & on sea. My future success is to see my customers dining on one of my boats eating a delicious meal created by yours truly.

Meet Sondra Haw, a culinary student who is igniting the world of gastronomy with her unwavering passion, boundless creativity, and discerning palate. Born and raised in the vibrant city of La Habra, Sondra's deep-rooted fascination with food and its ability to foster connections among people has been a driving force in her culinary journey. Currently residing in Tustin, California, Sondra embarked on a path of culinary excellence through her formal education at Orange Coast College, where she immersed herself in advanced culinary and baking techniques, honing her skills to perfection and nurturing her unique culinary philosophy.

Beyond her studies, Sondra actively seeks opportunities to immerse herself in the culinary world. She eagerly participates in culinary events, workshops, and internships, seeking mentorship from established chefs and learning from their expertise. Sondra's commitment to continuous growth and learning ensures that she stays at the forefront of culinary trends and techniques, always pushing herself to reach new heights of culinary excellence.

As Sondra Haw continues her culinary journey, she eagerly anticipates the opportunity to make her mark in the culinary industry. With a fiery passion, unyielding determination, and an insatiable hunger for culinary excellence.

I am an OCC graduate, where I majored in both Culinary Arts and Baking & Pastry. I had a natural talent for cooking growing up; I have found working in the industry has been very enjoyable thus far. I love experimenting with new flavors and ingredients, and learning how to use them to create new recipes and elevate current dishes.

Instagram: kitchen_overtime

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I'm Gabby Polhamus (she/her) and I've been pursuing a culinary career for three years now. I've enjoyed baking since I learned how to in middle school but was hesitant to make it my job. It always scared me to think I'd start to resent it. However, at the age of 20, I was diagnosed with Leukemia and, after three years of chemotherapy, realized that I should do what I love while I love it. Going to culinary school at Orange Coast College and getting a job in a restaurant has confirmed to me I made the right decision. I'm excited to continue learning and grow my skills.

My name is Frida and I am a second year culinary student. My goal this year is to network so that I can learn from the many talented people who work in the industry.

Kristin Sepulveda is a southern California chef and culinary instructor with a passion for both sweet and savory cooking. She received her undergraduate degree from Whittier College and completed the Advanced Culinary and Advanced Baking and Pastry programs at Orange Coast College. While at Orange Coast College, Kristin competed on the American Culinary Federation student Hot Food Team. She has worked in many areas of the food industry from fine dining to research and development to food styling and media. Currently, she is a full time Culinary Arts Academy instructor for Santa Ana Unified School District at Valley High School in the Career Technical Education department. She also serves as a Prostart culinary competition coach for high school students. In her free time, she enjoys visiting bakeries across the world, recipe testing, and reading chef memoirs.

Contact Information/Social Media: www.kristinmsepulveda.com

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My name is Khoa To (he/him), pronounced as Qu-a, and I am in the Culinary program at Orange Coast College. I have been cooking since I was 10 years old and would like to open my own restaurant.

I’m Georgia Williams, a 24-year-old living in Irvine, California. Currently, I’m pursuing my passion for all things culinary as a student at Orange Coast College, specializing in Culinary Arts. My sights are set on earning an Associate’s Degree in Science for Advanced Culinary Arts through Orange Coast’s program. After completing my Associate’s Degree in Liberal Arts, I couldn’t resist following my heart into the world of food. My ultimate goal is to become a chef and work my way up the ladder in the culinary industry. Someday, I hope to be the executive chef at a restaurant that holds a special place in my heart. With every dish I create, I am dedicated to refining my skills and making a name for myself in the culinary world. I’m excited for the challenges and adventures that lie ahead on this delicious journey

Question: What is your career path?
Response: Associates in advanced culinary arts, and becoming a chef

Question: What did you gain from the program?
Response: Education about all the many different opportunities there are in a culinary career, outside of just working in a restaurant. Real world experience and hands on techniques about using cooking equipment, I had yet to use prior.

Question: What was your greatest professional takeaway from the experience?
Response: "Becoming a chef does not limit you to just working in a restaurant. There are so many possibilities and opportunities to showcase my culinary skills."