Reeshimah always had a love of cooking, even as a young girl. Though culinary arts was her passion, she initially chose to go into the nursing industry, as she was told it would guarantee her a job. As a young mother of 2 sons at age 19, she felt as if that is what she had to do for financial security.
Reeshimah discovered Cathedral Kitchen while looking to pursue a job in the culinary field, and was accepted into the February 2020 class. Unfortunately, the class was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, though she was still able to receive her ServSafe certification. The following year, Reeshimah found herself in legal trouble, thus losing all licensure connected to nursing. Lost and desperately looking for a job to support her family, she landed her first kitchen job, making $8 less an hour than she had been. She made it into the culinary field, but was struggling; having difficulty with unfamiliar equipment and other aspects of the job.
In March 2022, Reeshimah ran into Chef Nai, who asked her why she had not reapplied for the program. This question stuck with Reeshimah, who went on to reapply and was accepted into the program in May of 2022. Tragically, Reeshimah’s best friend was murdered while she was enrolled in the program. She says she would not have had the strength to continue, if not for Chef Nai and Ja’Net. “They knew who I was before my loss and they didn’t let me give up. Every day they reminded me that I deserve to finish, they took the time to support, love, and uplift me.”
Reeshimah pushed through, and went on to graduate the program and meet her goals. She is out of debt and earning a higher income than she made while in the nursing field. She has been working as a lead line cook at the Hilton Garden Inn, and was recently hired as a chef at Oliver’s Twist restaurant in Glassboro. “My connection to Cathedral Kitchen, Ja’Net and Chef Nai, assisted me with getting hired in both of my current positions. I am a proud alumni of Cathedral Kitchen.”
