Introducing our Chef Brandon Apprentices
With the support of our generous community, we’ve recruited three Denver-area high school students as the first apprentices in the Chef Brandon Apprentice Program. These young women will receive salary/tuition support and training. We’re excited to work with—and learn from—them, as we continue Chef Brandon’s commitment to helping develop young leaders.
We’re pleased to introduce Sarai Almaraz, who will be mentored by chefs in our kitchen; and Jade Aguilar and Camila Villanueva, who will be mentored by staff across operations teams.
Sarai Almaraz is a senior from Westminster High School, born and raised in Colorado. With the plan of graduating in May, she hopes to achieve great things in her future and create a good life for herself. Sarai is ambitious as she aspires to continue her culinary journey and own her own bakery one day. Dreaming big, loving hard, and having fun are some of her most important values. She yearns to travel the world and explore the wonders it holds. In her free time, Sarai enjoys walking her dogs, hanging out with friends, and listening to music.
Jade Aguilar is a junior at Arrupe Jesuit High School, born and raised in Colorado. She is passionate about working in a place that helps people facing challenges beyond their control. Jade aspires to work in the medical field in the future to continue helping those in need, and she finds fulfillment in knowing that Project Angel Heart provides vital support to our clients. Jade enjoys playing sports, spoiling her dog nephews with toys (which they promptly destroy!), and indulging in her love for cooking and baking.
Camila Villanueva transferred to Arrupe Jesuit High School after her freshman year at Holy Family. Originally from Aurora, Colorado, she moved to Henderson in sixth grade, and has lived there with her family of six ever since. In her free time, Camila enjoys listening to music, dancing, doing makeup, and creating memories with her best friends. Her true passion, though, is on the volleyball court, where she spends most of her time working to improve her skills and perfect her technique. Camila’s dream is to attend college and play volleyball at the Division 1 level, and she’s still deciding on her future area of study and college destination. She is excited to see what her future holds.
We’re still accepting donations to help us hit our $100,000 goal in support of the Chef Brandon Apprentice Program. Click here to make a gift today.