Evgenii Kirillov

After immigrating from Volgograd, Russia, Evgenii Kirillov discovered the Culinary Center on Facebook while living in Queens. Though his background was in the arts and English was not his first language, he was interested in the culinary field and commuted daily to the Bronx in the spring of 2023 to complete Culinary Essentials, Barista Basics, and several other workshops. Shortly after graduating the program, Evgenii became a building assistant at a Brooklyn art studio, but his passion for the culinary world remained. In the summer of 2024, he reconnected with the Center as an aspiring food photographer, building his portfolio by capturing images of class dishes and staff and students in action. Today, Evgenii is a full-time graphic designer and freelance photographer, creating visual branding and ads for clients including coffee brands like Café Aromático. (8/4/25)

Lehilani Najera

When Lehilani Najera began taking courses at the Culinary Center in early 2025, she was unemployed and caring for her toddler, searching for a way to support her family. She completed Culinary Essentials, Pastry Arts, and Hospitality before earning her NYC Food Protection Certificate with help from the Center’s Employment Coordinator, Dorrant Anderson. Within a month of graduating, Lehilani started a job for a food truck in Mott Haven, Chilangos NYC, where she takes orders, makes beverages like horchata and tamarindo, and uses a mobile POS system—skills she practiced in the Hospitality course. Her new role has helped her secure more consistent childcare and focus on finding permanent housing. (7/28/25)

Taywana Williams

Although she had food service experience out of state, Taywana Williams was unemployed when she came to Allie’s Place Center for Culinary Education & Employment in search of support reentering the culinary field in New York. She enrolled in Culinary Essentials and Pastry Arts during the summer of 2024, completed her NYC Food Protection Certificate, and built on her skills through additional workshops at the Center. With support from the on-site Employment Coordinator, Taywana secured a full-time job just one month after graduating—becoming a Cook at Columbia Grammar and Preparatory School through FLIK Independent School Dining. There, she prepares healthy meals ranging from salads and sandwiches to vegan lasagna. Now one year into her role, Taywana returned to Allie’s Place in June 2025 to take the newly launched Hospitality program and continue growing in her career. (7/28/25)