It is our great pleasure to announce that the JPF has selected two graduates of JPF-supported culinary training programs to receive a 2024 JPF Memorial Grant of $5,000 each to continue their culinary journeys. Congratulations to the winners and their respective programs!
Pictured above: Olvin Cortes, graduate of Foodlink in Rochester, NY and Tashe Mattison, graduate of Cathedral Kitchen in Camden, NJ
Winner 2024 Gloria Pépin Memorial Grant
Tashe Mattison, graduate of Cathedral Kitchen in Camden, NJ
Tashe Mattison showed remarkable resilience in overcoming homelessness to enroll in the Culinary Arts Training Class at Cathedral Kitchen, where her natural talent and leadership made her an outstanding student. Tashe is now a pivotal member of the training program — she was hired as the Assistant Chef Instructor — and she has plans to launch her own catering and juice business.
“I started cooking at the age of 7 and have loved it ever since. The culinary training program at Cathedral Kitchen did more than change my life. It taught me that you never stop learning. With this award, I will obtain an LLC for my catering business, bulk up my supplies to boost the success of that business and start the process of bringing some of my homemade juices to market. I see my journey as a cycle of success. I am like a tree that is growing and branching out into the community to help others use food to change lives.”
Tashe Mattison
Winner 2024 Carl Robert “Bob” Wesen Memorial Grant
Olvin Cortes, graduate of Foodlink in Rochester, NY
Olvin Cortes’ love of food and service, combined with his pursuit of self-improvement, made him an exceptional student when he joined Foodlink as an apprentice. Although he came to the program fighting his own battles with addiction and the criminal justice system, it became clear that Olvin was a natural leader and was very gifted in the kitchen. Upon finishing his Foodlink Fellowship, he was offered a full-time job at a highly regarded country club and has since moved on from there to be Banquet Chef at the Strathallan Hotel & Spa in Rochester, NY.
“I’m speechless and overwhelmed with joy to receive this award. I am humbled and proud to represent the Foodlink Career Fellowship for this honor, and really want to put this gift to good use to help feed my neighbors in the Rochester community. I sincerely hope my story inspires others. Just when you think you are lost in the abyss, never stop looking for the light and see what you can achieve.”
Olvin Cortes
Two additional individuals were also selected to receive runner-up gifts of $2,500 each:
Pictured above: Aminata Dabo, graduate of Emma’s Torch, Brooklyn, NY and Chris Maruri, graduate of Youth Action Youth Build Good Food Jobs Training Program, New York, NY
Runner-Up 2024 Gloria Pepin Memorial Grant
Aminata Dabo, graduate of Emma’s Torch, Brooklyn, NY
Growing up in Senegal, West Africa, Aminata Dabo learned that family meals were cherished moments and she embraced cooking for her family when they moved to the United States. At Emma’s Torch, Aminata was a model trainee as she learned cooking fundamentals, including knife skills, meat prep and baking. When she completed the program, she was placed into a job at Five Acres Restaurant where she has worked her way up from prep cook to lead cook. She serves on the Emma’s Torch Alumni Council, helping to better the program and showcasing her belief that cooking is a fulfilling journey of discovery and camaraderie.
“Receiving this grant means the world to me. With this award, I plan to continue my culinary education and finally buy the kitchen equipment I’ve always dreamed of. This will help me get closer to my dream of becoming a top chef. I’m overwhelmed with gratitude and excitement for this incredible opportunity. Thank you so much for believing in me and helping make my dreams a reality. I will forever be grateful for this support.”
Aminata Dabo
Runner-Up 2024 Carl Robert “Bob” Wesen Memorial Grant
Chris Maruri, graduate of Youth Action Youth Build Good Food Jobs Training Program, New York, NY
Chris Maruri’s journey embodies resilience, passion, and commitment. Despite challenges, his love for cooking remained steadfast since age 9 and is his driving force. In the kitchen, Chris finds solace, creativity, and purpose. Chris’ commitment extends beyond cooking – it encompasses his community. He gives back through volunteering – showcasing his unwavering dedication to making a difference. Chris embodies the belief that with determination and a love for what you do, any obstacle can be overcome, and dreams can be realized.
“I’m grateful to receive this grant that will help me pursue my cooking career. I am very interested in starting a catering business of my own and was inspired by my best friend and potential future business partner Kayla Perez who is in the process of launching her Spiritual Kitchen catering business. I would also like to thank my mom Jackie, my father Mario and my sister Esmeralda for supporting me in all my dreams and future goals. ”
Chris Maruri
