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Fueling Dreams With
Every Dish

Free hands-on culinary training for refugee
and immigrant women ready to rise
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HONORING CULTURE.
BUILDING FUTURES.

We celebrate heritage while equipping women
with the skills to thrive in the food industry
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CONFIDENCE IS THE
FIRST INGREDIENT

Our kitchen is a safe space where women
discover their voice, their talent, and their
power
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Our Why

MORE THAN A KITCHEN

At RISE Culinary Institute, we believe food is more than just nourishment, it’s a bridge to belonging, confidence, and a brighter future. Through our free, hands-on culinary training, we empower refugee and immigrant women from low-income families to gain vital kitchen and life skills that lead to employment and independence.

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A DAY AT RISE CULINARY INSTITUTE

Our Approach

A PATHWAY TO EMPOWERMENT

TRAINING

Our free 12-week hands-on training teaches core culinary skills, food safety, kitchen etiquette and menu planning in a supportive, inclusive environment.

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CONNECTION

Beyond graduation, we help participants find paid internships, connect with employers, and build lasting careers or businesses.

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SUPPORT

We offer mentorship, soft-skills training, and a supportive commzqunity to ensure lasting success.

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Make a Difference

We appreciate the generosity of our donors through one-time or monthly contributions. Your support helps us create meaningful change and positively impact lives. All donations are tax-deductible.

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MAKE A DIFFERENCE

We appreciate the generosity of our donors through one-time or monthly contributions. Your support helps us create meaningful change and positively impact lives. All donations are tax-deductible.

DONATE NOW
APPLY NOW

THANK YOU TO OUR MAJOR DONORS

OUR COMMUNITY PARTNERS

Student Voices

REFLECTIONS ON THEIR JOURNEY

When I first walked into RISE, I was filled with doubt. I didn’t know if I belonged in a kitchen—or anywhere. Week by week, the lessons, the mentors, and the friendships helped me find my voice again. Today, I walk out with skills, confidence, and a dream that feels within reach.
Zinab
Cooking has always been my comfort, but I never imagined it could be my career. At RISE, I learned not just how to cook professionally, but how to believe in myself. Every recipe, every encouragement, every challenge built a stronger version of me.
Anastasia
Before RISE, I felt invisible. Like my story didn’t matter. Here, every story mattered—especially mine. They didn’t just teach me skills; they showed me that my life experience is my strength. I’m leaving with more than training. I’m leaving with pride.
Katiuska
I came to RISE scared to try something new. I leave ready to open my own catering business. The encouragement I received here changed my future. I have skills, yes—but more importantly, I have the belief that I can create a life I’m proud of.
Nazanin
When I think of all the loss and grief back home, I feel lost myself too. RISE reminded me that I still have so much to give. Every day in the kitchen brought back pieces of my joy. Today, I’m not just dreaming again—I’m doing.
Fatima
When I first walked into RISE, I was filled with doubt. I didn’t know if I belonged in a kitchen—or anywhere. Week by week, the lessons, the mentors, and the friendships helped me find my voice again. Today, I walk out with skills, confidence, and a dream that feels within reach.
Zinab
Cooking has always been my comfort, but I never imagined it could be my career. At RISE, I learned not just how to cook professionally, but how to believe in myself. Every recipe, every encouragement, every challenge built a stronger version of me.
Anastasia
Before RISE, I felt invisible. Like my story didn’t matter. Here, every story mattered—especially mine. They didn’t just teach me skills; they showed me that my life experience is my strength. I’m leaving with more than training. I’m leaving with pride.
Katiuska
I came to RISE scared to try something new. I leave ready to open my own catering business. The encouragement I received here changed my future. I have skills, yes—but more importantly, I have the belief that I can create a life I’m proud of.
Nazanin
When I think of all the loss and grief back home, I feel lost myself too. RISE reminded me that I still have so much to give. Every day in the kitchen brought back pieces of my joy. Today, I’m not just dreaming again—I’m doing.
Fatima
RISE Culinary Institute (RISE)’s mission is to transform lives by equipping our community’s refugees and immigrants with culinary skills, nutrition education, and employment opportunities to help them achieve their full potential. We focus on creating an environment where they can gain self-confidence and learn marketable skills to ensure a more successful future.
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