About our Graduates

In the Culinary Program at Sunflower, Noni “learned that I can try new things and not be afraid of the results.” She also learned how to speak louder in the kitchen, work efficiently, and how to use proper food safety skills. She learned cooking techniques, sauteing, roasting, and grilling. Noni’s favorite part of her time at Sunflower was working together with her classmates in the kitchen and learning new recipes, which they prepared together and packaged for orders. After graduation, Noni will seek work in a restaurant in order to grow her skills for new opportunities. She is interested in opening her own restaurant some day. “I love that this program has taken me out of my comfort zone and allowed me to explore a side of myself I had yet to discover.”

Nikita has always cooked at home quite often, and wanted to try the culinary field as a possible career path. In Sunflower’s Culinary Program, Nikita developed a repertoire of skills, including kitchen callbacks, food safety and sanitation, knife skills and other practical skills. Through hands-on experience in a professional kitchen environment, he grew in self-confidence and independence. He relished learning new recipes and techniques. Nikita will seek job opportunities in cooking after graduation.

Katya chose the Culinary Program at Sunflower Bakery to learn new skills, be part of a community, and be able to get a job. In the professional kitchen environment, she learned culinary skills, “that will help me get a job so I can be independent.” Those skills included teamwork in the kitchen and a variety of practical skills, resulting in greater self-confidence. Katya has grown in both technical ability and workplace readiness. Katya valued meeting the people at Sunflower. After graduation, Katya plans to pursue opportunities in a part-time kitchen job, “that can get me started in the culinary world, where I can be useful…and help people.”

DJ began at Sunflower Bakery with a desire to know how it would feel to work in a bakery shop. He learned how to use the Point of Sale system, “to read the room,” and to make coffee drinks. DJ particularly valued interacting with customers and taking orders. As a graduate, he plans to work in hospitality.

Mateo was attracted to Sunflower’s Hospitality Program, since it provides the knowledge and skills for a wide range of jobs. While training, he developed a work ethic, incorporated teamwork, learned how to talk to customers, maintained organization, and packaged products. His favorite parts of his experience were having just one supervisor and preparing orders. Mateo is pursuing opportunities in retail and has identified a job of interest in Rockville.

Ben connected with Sunflower Bakery to learn new skills and get help finding a job. Indeed, Ben learned to package products, use the POS system, build customer service skills, operate the espresso machine, clean the restrooms and sitting area and work effectively as part of a team. Ben especially relished serving and connecting with customers. After graduation, Ben would like a job in a warehouse environment, handling inventory.

At Sunflower, Asher hoped to learn skills to get a ‘real” job. In fact, he applied concerted efforts, working as part of a team, learning to interact with customers, both in person and by phone. Gaining confidence, he developed leadership skills, appreciated feeling needed and being helpful. Through hands-on experience and daily collaboration, Asher has grown in both technical ability and workplace readiness. He looks forward to getting a job doing something he likes. “I can do more than people think I can do.”

When Dalen came to Sunflower Bakery for training, he wanted a skillset to be proud of. Sure enough, he gained knowledge and experience in using kitchen equipment properly and reading recipes. A highlight for Dalen was working with his kitchen mates. After graduation, he plans to pursue opportunities as a pastry chef.

Trinity chose Sunflower Bakery to learn more about baking and gain experience in a professional kitchen. She acquired a strong skill base in frissage, scooping cooking dough, piping cupcake batter and frosting, using mixing methods, rolling pie crust, kneading bread dough, and more. Over time, she has become more confident and is so pleased to be more independent in her work. Trinity looks forward to working in food service, or perhaps in a bakery’s production kitchen.

Kaleb decided to train in Pastry Arts at Sunflower Bakery in order to gain knowledge and experience. Among the practical skills learned were cubing margarine, packing baked products and decorating. Kaleb’s favorite part was making a lot of different recipes. As a kind, helpful and friendly person, Kaleb hopes to work in a bakery or a supermarket bakery.

Julia loves to bake and cook. She joined Sunflower’s Pastry Arts Program, because she decided to change careers. In the professional kitchen, she learned how to bake desserts and bread. Also, important to her, she learned how to create a safe, healthy baking environment. At Sunflower, her favorites were baking breads, cookies, cakes and cupcakes. She feels she is a very helpful and energetic worker and looks forward to working in a bakery after graduation.