A recent graduate of SPSCC’s Culinary Arts program, Miriam Padilla’s vision for her new career began as a student specializing in the Chef’s training program. Long before she received her AAS degree in Culinary Arts, she knew she wanted teaching to be an important aspect of her career. Now, her dream has come true, and she is making a difference as Lead Instructor and Kids Culinary Arts Program Director at Bayview School of Cooking as well as the Lead Educator and Coordinator for the Hands On Children’s Museum Inspired Chefs program. As a senior student two years into the Culinary Arts program, she was also offered the prestigious role of Sous Chef at The Reef, a landmark restaurant in downtown Olympia. She continues to excel and expand her culinary skills at the restaurant.
Food and Beverage Arts Program Manager Kathryn Walton-Elliott commented, “For a recent graduate to take on such important roles in the culinary arts field is very inspiring. Miriam is an exemplar of how a student can successfully achieve their vision utilizing the support, training, and guidance the culinary programs have to offer.”
Before joining the Culinary Arts program, Miriam earned a bachelor’s degree in Political Economy, Labor History, and Law at The Evergreen State College and had worked as a paralegal. Miriam shared, “I returned to school to push myself to pursue a long-held passion.” Culinary Arts was a perfect fit because it spoke to her creativity and fascination with the science of food preparation while offering new ways to connect with the community.
As a student, she explored different avenues of hospitality and focused on learning all she could about culinary theory, techniques, and methodology. The coursework also gave her opportunities to learn about different leadership styles and how to work with diverse teams.
Although the program was challenging, the supportive learning environment helped her stay the course. Miriam explained, “Chef John Patrick Downey-McCarthy and Chef Emily Wallace were instrumental in my staying in the program and encouraging me to try things I did not know I could achieve. This field requires confidence, and they helped me develop the confidence I needed to succeed. They also inspired me to want to teach.”
She also pointed out how the culture of the field is always growing and changing. “With Chef JP and Chef Emily’s guidance, I learned how vitally important everyone’s role is. From the front-of-the-house hosts and servers to the back-of-the-house dishwashers and chefs, it is important to value every team member.”
When asked about some of her key takeaways from the program and how they influence her experience in the field today, Miriam shared, “I have learned a lot about collaborative leadership and finding ways to foster work environments that elevate and support collaboration. I also appreciate how important it is to be humble and enter every kitchen as a student willing to learn something new.”
Miriam's future career plans include continuing to grow as a chef and teacher, writing a book, and helping marginalized young people and adults gain access to healthy food options and techniques for preparing them.
Your support for scholarships and your contributions to student success can help more students at SPSCC reach their goals and bring positive change to the community. Visit the SPSCC Foundation website to learn ways your support can lead to student success. For more information or to speak with a Foundation gift officer, call 360-596-5430 or email Foundation@spscc.edu.