Soulful Kitchen

Soulful Kitchen Soulful Kitchen was established in 2017 when Laquisha embarked on her professional cooking journey.

In May 2019, she earned an associate degree in Hospitality Administration from Ivy Tech Community College.
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09/28/2026

Ivy Tech Distinguished Alumni South Bend / Elkhart 2026 development Laquisha Jackson Hope for the Hungry

I’m taking a moment to brag on God. 🙏🏽If I’m being completely honest, I never imagined that so many of these things woul...
09/27/2026

I’m taking a moment to brag on God. 🙏🏽

If I’m being completely honest, I never imagined that so many of these things would happen in my life. And in full transparency, I’ve had to walk through some very painful tests to get here.

Scroll through my Soulful Kitchen page, you’ll see many of the awards and accomplishments God has allowed me to receive along the way.

I want to be clear: this has not been because of money. It has been because of God’s favor. 🙌🏽

The Lord has called me distinguished and influential not for my glory, but for HIS glory.

I grew up around the corner from Lincoln Way West. I started a business, stepped into spaces where I was competing with giant organizations, and even today, I’m still fighting giants.

“The just shall live by faith.” Romans 1:17

Here are just a few of the honors I’m grateful for:

2021: 40 Under 40 — YPN
2023: Michael Boyce Outstanding Award for Entrepreneurial Distinguished Achievement — Notre Dame
2024: Distinguished Alumnus Award — Leadership South Bend-Elkhart
2024: Influential Women — Up & Coming Woman in Arts
2026: Distinguished Alumni — South Bend/Elkhart, Ivy Tech

I’m sharing just a few because every single one means so much to me. Each one represents a chapter, a test, a prayer, a sacrifice, and another reminder that God was with me through it all.

Father, I love You and I thank You soooo much. ❤️🙏🏽

This testimony is bigger than me.

ALL glory belongs to God. 🙌🏽

Father God, thank You. 🙏🏽I am incredibly humbled and grateful to have been selected as a 2026 Distinguished Alum for the...
09/26/2026

Father God, thank You. 🙏🏽

I am incredibly humbled and grateful to have been selected as a 2026 Distinguished Alum for the South Bend Campus of Ivy Tech Community College! ❤️

This recognition is especially meaningful because Ivy Tech has been such an important part of my journey. What started as a decision to further my education became a foundation that helped shape the woman, chef, entrepreneur, educator, and community leader I am today.

I’ve had the privilege of earning my Associate of Applied Science in Hospitality Administration and continuing my culinary education while building Soulful Kitchen and creating opportunities for others through culinary education, workforce development, and community service.

Through Soulful Kitchen and Hope for the Hungry, my heart has always been to use food and education to empower people, create opportunities, and strengthen our community.

Being recognized as a Distinguished Alum, the highest honor awarded to Ivy Tech graduates, is something I do not take lightly. 🙏🏽

But one of the most meaningful parts of this experience was having my 12-year-old daughters by my side to witness this accomplishment. ❤️

They have watched me go back to school, continue learning, build businesses, serve my community, overcome challenges, and pursue the purpose God has placed in my heart.

This was bigger than an award. It was a reminder that the journey matters, perseverance matters, and the work we do can leave a legacy for the next generation.

I am also incredibly proud to congratulate Cultivate Food Rescue on being honored as Benefactor of the Year! ❤️

I am so grateful for the opportunity to celebrate these meaningful accomplishments at the Distinguished Alumni and Benefactor of the Year Celebration Dinner at the Eiteljorg Museum in Indianapolis.

Thank you, Ivy Tech, for seeing my journey and honoring the work I have been blessed to do. And thank you to every instructor, mentor, family member, friend, student, colleague, and community partner who has been part of my journey.

And thank you for the complimentary stay at the JW Hotel. Your generosity made this special celebration even more memorable for my family and me. 🙏🏽

I’m grateful.
I’m humbled.
And I’m just getting started. 🙏🏽❤️

I decided to share these photos before editing. As I look at myself, I can’t help but think about all I’ve been through,...
09/19/2026

I decided to share these photos before editing. As I look at myself, I can’t help but think about all I’ve been through, but most importantly, where I’m going.

One truth I’ve learned in my 43 years is that nothing and nobody can stop the plans that God has for your life.

Shout-out to Indianapolis
and Madam Walker Legacy for the headshots!

LaQuisha Jackson, Owner and Founder of Soulful Kitchen and Hope for the Hungry.

Pop-Up ServSafe Training — September 22nd!Ready to advance your food service career? Join us for in-person ServSafe trai...
09/17/2026

Pop-Up ServSafe Training — September 22nd!
Ready to advance your food service career?

Join us for in-person ServSafe training + certification from 8 AM–3 PM in South Bend.

Full Program: $275
2404 Lincoln Way West
[email protected]
574-318-8639

Spots are available! Register today!

09/11/2026

Ingredients
1 cup mashed cooked sweet potato
1½ cups all-purpose flour
2 tsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
1 tsp cinnamon
¼ tsp nutmeg
2 eggs
1¼ cups milk
¼ cup melted butter
2 tbsp brown sugar or maple syrup
1 tsp vanilla extract

Soulful Kitchen is expanding! After 9 long years of being everything within my company, I’m finally ready to take anothe...
09/01/2026

Soulful Kitchen is expanding!

After 9 long years of being everything within my company, I’m finally ready to take another risk and hire employees. Today, I held my first hiring event at WorkOne! 🙌🏾
We recruited for both our culinary school students and catering employees. This is such an exciting milestone for me and for Soulful Kitchen!

Prior to the hiring event, I attended the College & Career Readiness session hosted by the Indiana Youth Institute. Since our training is geared toward career pathways, it was important for me to learn more about creating meaningful opportunities and preparing individuals for success beyond the classroom.

Nine years of building, learning, and now I’m stepping into a new chapter of building a team, creating jobs, and developing career pathways.
I’m excited, nervous, grateful, and ready for what’s next! ❤️

Soulful Kitchen is growing… and I’m growing with it!

Soulful Kitchen is proud to serve the Riley High School Football Team! 💪🏾🏈There’s nothing like good food, community, and...
08/28/2026

Soulful Kitchen is proud to serve the Riley High School Football Team! 💪🏾🏈
There’s nothing like good food, community, and supporting our young athletes as they work hard on and off the field.

Go Riley! 🏈💙

Today was a beautiful day of service and community at Soulful Kitchen and Hope for the Hungry!We were honored to welcome...
08/16/2026

Today was a beautiful day of service and community at Soulful Kitchen and Hope for the Hungry!

We were honored to welcome 35 students from the Institute for Social Concerns, who volunteered their time at the Hope for the Hungry food pantry. After serving, the students were able to enjoy food prepared by Soulful Kitchen.

I’m so grateful for another opportunity to share my story and show how Soulful Kitchen and Hope for the Hungry work together to serve our community. Food has always been more than a business for me.

I also had the opportunity to learn from Lisa Zakowski, Neighborhood Program Specialist, about LEAD in our community. I’m thankful for the knowledge she shared and the opportunity to continue learning.

And I have to give a HUGE shoutout to my amazing team! Your hard work and commitment make days like today possible.

Thank you to everyone who continues to support Soulful Kitchen and Hope for the
Hungry.

We are grateful for every opportunity to serve!

Address

South Bend, IN
46601

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