Spotlight On: Derrick Holman “I wanted to do something that was meaningful. I wanted to do something that was close to home—I grew up in this area—and I wanted to do something that allowed me to make an impact,” said Derrick Holman, Culinary Program Supervisor at Allie’s Place. That desire to give back has shaped Derrick’s path both inside and outside of his work at HFH. Before joining HFH three years ago, Derrick worked in marketing and advertising after earning a degree in sociology from Wesleyan University. While he originally embarked on a career in marketing, he found himself looking for work that would allow him to make a more direct impact

First Students Graduate from Expanded Program at Soundview’s Culinary Center at Allie’s Place The Culinary Center at Allie’s Place recently celebrated the graduation of the first cohort of students to complete the Center’s expanded 60-hour culinary training program, designed to prepare students for careers in the food and hospitality industry and beyond. The updated training program gives students experience in Culinary Essentials, Pastry Arts, and Hospitality, combining courses that were previously offered individually into a seamless learning experience that strengthens skill retention. Throughout the program, students build foundational kitchen skills, learn food safety and sanitation practices, explore baking

Bronx Arena Students Step Into the Kitchen at Allie’s Place Students from Bronx Arena High School (BAHS) in Soundview recently participated in a weeklong Culinary Essentials cohort at Allie’s Place Center for Culinary Education & Employment, accompanied by their Assistant Principal, Ethan Knecht. Bronx Arena High School is a transfer school serving under-credited students by supporting them as they re-engage with their education through flexible curriculums, group counseling, and paid Learn-to-Work internships. This collaboration at Allie's Place provided students with the opportunity to explore hands-on culinary training in a professional environment. Throughout the week, students worked closely with Chef Instructor Danny, Lead Chef Instructor Jayda,

Guest Seminars Connect Culinary Students with Industry Experts Allie’s Place Center for Culinary Education & Employment has hosted several guest seminars featuring professionals from across the culinary industry. These sessions give students at the Center an opportunity to expand their knowledge, strengthen their skills, and explore a range of possible career paths as they seek new employment in the culinary and hospitality fields. Entrepreneur and photographer Brendan Miller taught a Food Photography seminar at the Center, speaking with students and graduates about culinary storytelling and building a creative career in the culinary field. During the session, he drew connections between food, photography, nutrition, sports, and other fields. Students also paired up for a storytelling exercise—interviewing

Culinary Graduate Eric Thomas Featured in The NYCHA Journal for Black Business Month We are proud to recognize Eric Thomas, graduate of Allie’s Place Center for Culinary Education & Employment, for being featured in The NYCHA Journal’s Black Business Month spotlight. Before enrolling at Allie’s Place Center for Culinary Education & Employment, Eric completed NYCHA’s 10-week Food Business Pathways program. At the time, he was unemployed and referred to the Culinary Center through NYCHA-REES. Eric quickly distinguished himself as a dedicated student, completing Culinary Essentials, Pastry Arts, Hospitality, and numerous workshops—including Caribbean Baking—in early 2025. He went on to further his education through Ancient Song Doula Services and the SUNY Bronx Educational Opportunity Center before