Impactful Bites Attends National Restaurant Showcase
Our Impactful Bites Hospitality & Culinary Arts participants were honored to be invited by the National Restaurant Educational Foundation to attend the National Restaurant Association Show in Chicago, Illinois, from May 16–18, 2026. During the trip, our members connected with industry leaders, explored the Expo and Education program, and gained valuable insight into workforce development, emerging technology, and the future of hospitality. Experiences like these continue to expand opportunities for our youth, helping prepare them for long-term success in the culinary and hospitality industries. We’re incredibly proud of our participants for representing our program and showcasing their talents on a national stage!
In 2023, Val enrolled in Impactful Bites, where she earned the AHLEI Certified Kitchen Cook credential and gained hands-on work experience supporting catering events at Cal State Dominguez Hills.
Today, Val is a Chef and Café Lead earning $25 per hour—a 67% wage increase from where she started. She now helps train new kitchen staff and plays a leadership role in the kitchen.
Words from Xochilt
“Impactful Bites really helped me when it comes to working in a kitchen. I learned things in the kitchenI did not even know existed.
Impactful Bites also showed mehow to work together.I always wanted to do things on my own and be ahead of everyone, but I always got something wrong that way. I learned that when you work together, things come together perfectly.
Xochilt’s Journey
At the start of 2026, Xochilt enrolled in Impactful Bites. There she gained the skills and industry exposure to start her culinary journey.
She was officially hired as the Culinary Instructor Assistant at EntreNous while in our program. Xochilt was then hired at Aramark, a program partner, where she completed work experience hours during our program. Xochilt was then hired as a Cook full time and earning $20 an hour.
Today, Xochilt is training to be a lead cook and potentially training new kitchen staff for California State University, Dominguez Hills.
Words from Xochilt
My experience at Compton YouthBuild had an impact on me because it helped me gain confidence, build meaningful relationships, and believe in my future. Being young, balancing school, motherhood, and my goals wasn’t easy, but the support I received from every staff member and classmate kept me motivated.
One of the things I’m most proud of is everything I accomplished in the culinary program, which strengthened my passion for cooking. Today, my dreams feel achievable because this program gave me the knowledge, hands-on experience, and encouragement to keep pushing forward.
To anyone considering Compton YouthBuild, I would say don’t hesitate. This program truly changed the way pictured my future. If you’re willing to work hard and stay committed, you’ll leave with more than an education, you’ll leave with confidence, purpose, and a support system that believes in you
