The New
Orleans Culinary & Hospitality Institute (NOCHI)
announced that it'll accept applications and nominations for its newest Pathways for Upward Mobility Program
(PUMP) program. This eight-week program is designed
to mentor people of color seeking leadership positions in the hospitality
industry.
Students
will receive hands-on lessons on entrepreneurial skills that are valuable to
the hospitality industry, such as financial viability, operations, and company
culture. They'll also take home the tools necessary in encouraging a more
inclusive workplace, such as relationship building and inclusion training.
NOCHI
workforce training and development manager Marquita White will be leading PUMP.
"We developed PUMP in order to educate, empower, and build confidence among BIPOC service industry workers," White said.
White said
that the hospitality industry has about only three percent of people of color
in leadership roles. She, along with NOCHI staff, hope that PUMP will create
more lucrative, stable, and equitable careers.
"We created
PUMP to change this paradigm and promote positive hospitality culture," White
said.
In addition
to PUMP, NOCHI offers 100-day certificate programs for students interested in
culinary arts. The Culinary Arts and Baking &
Pastry Arts
program gives students about four weeks of intensive, hands-on training in an
interactive setting where they learn about culinary math, restaurant planning,
and business management. Tickets for NOCHI's Cheese & Wine for
Valentine's and King Cake Workshops are also available.
According to
Executive Director Leah Sarris, contributions made by people of color help
shape New Orleans's culinary culture and make the city not only a tourist
destination but also a great place to work.
"At NOCHI,
we aim to be a hospitality hub by offering relevant, accessible, and innovative
educational opportunities for everyone in the industry," Sarris said. "With
PUMP, our vision is to empower and advance these BIPOC workers by offering
valuable training, support, and professional networks."
Applications and nominations for PUMP are now open to everyone
who's interested. They're due by Thursday, February 17. The next cohort will kick
off on Monday, March 7.
For more
information about PUMP, visit nochi.org or contact White at marquita.white@nochi.org.
