OPENING DOORS TO NEW PATHS
TRAINEE HIGHLIGHT: ROSA
When Rosa joined the program, she was coming from a different path. She had previously focused on the medical field, but during the pandemic, she realized it wasn’t where she saw her future. Cooking had always been something she loved, something that brought her joy and connection with her roots, so she decided to give it a real chance.
She came in ready to learn and quickly stood out for her attention to detail, work ethic, and willingness to take on every opportunity in front of her. Whether in the kitchen, at catering events, or working alongside guest chefs, she leaned into every experience to learn and grow.
Rosa didn’t just participate; she took ownership of her path. She advocated for herself, stayed engaged, and made the most of everything the program had to offer.
With the support from our team, she applied to the Disney Culinary College Program and was accepted into the August 2025 class, taking her first step toward a career in the culinary industry on a national stage.
Her journey didn’t stop there. Rosa was honored with the 2025 Gloria Pépin Memorial Award from the Jacques Pépin Foundation, recognizing her talent, dedication, and potential. Today, she is thriving in the Disney Culinary College Program and continuing to build her future in the industry.
In her own words:
“Thanks to all of you, I have a job and a career that I truly love. I’m also excited to share that I’ll be doing my second Disney program this May. I’m so grateful for each of you. I know your work can be incredibly challenging in many ways, but please know how much of a difference you’ve made in my life. I’ll always be thankful.“
Rosa’s journey is a reminder of what’s possible when someone is given the chance to explore, grow, and has the support to move forward.
