Scholarship Recipients 2019

Audrey is currently a culinary Student at Northwest Culinary Academy of Vancouver. Born in Montreal, she has a background in Finance and Marketing and decided, 5 years ago, it wasn’t her calling. She has worked in the culinary industry ever since; from waitress to cook on private yachts. In the hope of achieving new objectives, she hopes this professional training will help her grow and succeed in Vancouver’s beautiful food scene.

Isabel is a passionate culinarian who believes that learning should never stop. In her current role as Executive Chef of Fairmont Chateau Whistler, she oversees the creative and strategic initiatives of all culinary operations of the 528-room luxury landmark resort including the Grill Room, the Wildflower Restaurant; the Mallard Lounge, Portobello Market & Fresh Bakery, The Chalet, offering alpine cuisine throughout the winter season, and The Clubhouse, as well as In Room Dining and Banquets.

After many years of putting off school to raise her young family Samantha plans on using her scholarship to help pay for her Culinary arts program. After 15 years of cooking for local restaurants and B&Bs, she is ready to hone her skills and carry on with the finer things in dinning. Studying close to home at Vancouver Island University, Samantha plans to have place of her own one day, sharing amazing food with locals from her small town.

Vanessa has been inspired by the Pacific Northwest from a young age. She has a passion for local ingredients and the importance of sustainability. Vanessa worked at Petes Meat for five years learning the importance and responsibility of nose to tail butchery. She is excited and grateful to receive the Service Excellence Scholarship in honour of Tina Fineza. This will allow her to experience and learn about the humane treatment of animals at Two River Meats.

Cathryn works as the pastry chef at Toque Catering in Victoria. She enjoys working in the dynamic work environment where everyday is different from the last. It is also a place that has encouraged her continued passion for all things pastry. She is excited to return to the city of her alma mater to participate in a plated desserts course taught by Ghaya F. Oliveira.

Jessica has pursued her passion for food and knowledge from a young age. She studied Culinary Arts at VIU, then completed a degree in Hospitality and Tourism Management at the University of Guelph. She went on to developed her culinary skills in kitchens all over BC and Europe. She returned to VIU in 2012 to become a teacher, now she shares her knowledge and passion for food with young aspiring chefs in Campbell River. She will attend the Cacao Barry Chocolate institute in Montreal.

Rachel McKinley is a chocolate and confectionery professional with 15 years experience. Rachel began her career by studying microbiology and biochemistry, where she became fascinated by chocolate crystallization and sugar behaviour. She decided to pursue chocolate and has owned her own business (CocoaNymph) and currently teaches at Ecole Chocolat Professional School of Chocolate Arts and is the head chocolatier at Purdys Chocolatier.

Michaela Morris is an international wine writer, educator, judge and speaker based in Vancouver. She writes for Decanter magazine and Meininger’s Wine Business International as well as Canadian publications Taste and Quench. Michaela was a Les Dames d’Escoffier scholarship recipient in 2004 which helped fund her WSET Diploma studies. She is now in the second stage of the Master of Wine programme and this year’s scholarship will provide a huge contribution towards the tuition fees.

Diana Newson, born and raised on Vancouver Island, was instilled at a young age with an appetite for adventure, a respect for ingredients and a deep appreciation for the BC Coast. She loves to bring people together and enjoys utilizing food as a canvas for education, good times and nourishing those around her. She plans to use her scholarship to follow her passion and chase a deeper understanding of the Culinary Arts at the Northwest Culinary Academy of Vancouver.

Laura has committed whole heartedly to creating a life rich in moments of creativity, beauty and connection. As a Professional Cook Laura seeks to connect with natures greatest gifts while creating nourishing moments of joy for others. Laura is interested in creating a more ethical cooking culture by addressing both food waste and mental-health wellness for cooks. With her scholarship, Laura will be returning to her roots by attending a week of cooking courses in Portugal.

Charlene Rooke is a Vancouver-based journalist and trained artisan distiller who is now building a career as a spirits expert and educator. Already the lead judge of the Canadian Artisan Spirit Competition and a panelist and writer for Canada’s 50 Best Bars, she is using her scholarship funds to become one of the first WSET Spirits Educators in B.C. She looks forward to teaching the next generation of spirits geeks.

Amy will be using her scholarship to attend the Pacific Institute of Culinary Arts 6 month culinary arts Diploma program. Currently Amy is a fitness leader professional. With her education from PICA, Amy will combine her love of both food and fitness in pursuit of inspiring others to take ownership of their health, in both the gym and kitchen.

“Growing up in the wilds of Williams Lake, B.C., Tabatha spent her formative years learning how to grow and harvest produce, butcher livestock and create meals with family and friends. After graduating from culinary school in 2007, Tabatha moved to Vancouver to be part of its vibrant culinary scene. Tabatha is now working towards her goal of becoming a Culinary Arts instructor.
”

Madi has always had a passion for cooking and baking. After spending some time in Vancouver working under chefs, she ventured to Tofino to learn more about the west coast wild life and sourcing locally. Madi is eager to always be learning and is excited to use the scholarship she received to learn more about butchery.