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. 🙏🏽❤️