Dora Marron

ES- You were in a culinary program for 3 years in your high school career, how has the culinary program at North Grand High School shaped your career path in college?

DM- When I graduated the 8th grade, my intentions were not to attend a culinary high school. I've had the passion for the industry, for food since I was a young kid and I never knew that it was a possibility to attend a school that offered that program. I thought of it as an opportunity to follow my dreams to practice the art of culinary. I was clueless of what it was all about until I started my sophomore year in culinary arts. All I had to look back on was the food network, social media, etc. I learned so much in the little time I was there. Three years may seem forever but when you're so focused on something you love, time flies. The program taught me how to be a leader, how the whole system of the kitchen works. It's not just cooking, it's being sure that your sanitation is on point, that the food is being stored and or cooked correctly. Let's just say it was nothing like the food network. But I was okay with it, because I fell in love with the art, the beauty of the kitchen, management, the whole nine yards. I was blessed to have a mentor that took the time to guide me into a city program called C-CAP Careers through Culinary Arts Program. This program was my one way ticket out of the city. I love Chicago, don't get me wrong, but all I wanted was to be someone in life to break the cycle and not stay within a one mile radius of the community. I want to go to college and this program helped students go to college. Based on who they are, their passion, and commitment to culinary arts. Money isn't given, it's earned, and I made sure that I had good grades and was involved as much as I could be, because I knew that would not only help mold my character, but teach me to be persistent to meet new people, see the world in a different light. I know that I was unable to afford college, because I was raised by a single mother, who had the world on her shoulders trying to make it through and taking care of many people in my family it made it difficult for her to be able to help me go to college: CCAP gave me that opportunity to do so and I knew I had to take advantage of that. I worked my butt off day in and day out practicing for culinary competitions that would award me the scholarship that I dreamt of. In all, I made many sacrifices to not lose focus on my goal. With that my hard work paid off. I was awarded my senior year a full tuition scholarship to Johnson and Wales University in Miami Florida. Of course it was hard for me to leave my mother my siblings and family but it was something I knew was right.

ES- At Johnson and Wales in North Miami, you had the privilege of being in a school that is diverse more than others, how was it being around peers who were the same or similar ethnicity as you?

DM- It's was amazing! I went to high school where majority of those that went there was my race. I knew that being a part of the University that was diverse was going to help me encourage others of my race want to go to college, because at North grad not many students have opportunity to go to college and or they did not want to. They didn't see the point and they did not see the opportunities that lie ahead of them if they went to school as well as one school out-of-state. I think that's because they were unsure if they were going to be discriminated against by the Caucasian society and I wanted them to know that universities are diverse. People who went to my high school believed that due to the area they did not belong in a university. They were so accustomed to being a part of a statistic that they were uncomfortable of the idea of being with future college peers because the students did not think they were good enough

ES- How has your sorority shaped your mind set on sisterhood and mentoring?

DM- My sorority strives to educate, elevate, and empower women and that's something that caught my attention since a young age. My mom always told me that education was going to get me somewhere in life. My organizations motto is “wisdom through education” and that's something I take pride in. When I moved to Miami I had no clue about the environment I was going to be in and the people I was going to be around. I had no family over to give me comfort so ultimately I was alone. I had to learn how to socialize and make new friends. When I saw my organization the sisters were super welcoming and it grew a passion to become a part of this sisterhood. My sisters are amazing they have become family to me throughout the years. We strive to leave a positive impact on peoples lives and to create change socially, politically, and with education. When I joined this organization they brought out the tools in me that I didn't see in myself and it gave me that drive to also help other women who were in my shoes.

ES- How are you a mentor to younger girls around you?

DM- So when I see young girls struggling or excelling in what they want to do in life I talk to them in a way they are able to understand. I do not speak to younger girls as if I am higher than them. I speak to them as if I know where they are coming from because I do. I share my struggle before sharing the good parts, such as receiving a full ride scholarship and attending school in Miami. I show girls such as my sister and the girls who enter my sorority that hard work pays off. At times, you may have to sacrifice not hanging out with your friends because you have to allow yourself time to put in the work thats needed. II try and give them that encouragement because they can become as accomplished as I am so far. Although you go through things in life you should use that as motivation rather than a distraction because it was for me..

ES- You are the first person in your family to ever graduate from college, what advice do you give young girls who are the first in their families as well but are too scared to take that jump to further their education?

DM- I would say to them, take the chance and know that it's worth it and having an education allows you opportunities and connections you would never have without a degree. You can be someone in this world despite your home situation. It's important to surround yourself with people who want to prosper in life right along with you. There's a saying: "You are who you hang out with." Let me tell you that statement is true. Your peer group is meant to support and keep you grounded so I'll say picking the right friends is important.

ES- Being a recent graduate and being out in the work field what are some issue your are facing due to being a female and your ethnicity?

DM- I'm in my industry it has always been a male-dominated industry and it's funny because women are known to be the ones to be cooking for the male in the household. Men have overcame that and became the main gender in the industry which makes it hard for us because we have to develop this thick skin and gain our respect. Men not all of them in the industry respect women because they believe that we're not strong enough mentally or physically to do 1000 or more dishes and making food at a fast speed. I learned that I have to be stern I have to make sure that people know that I am on top of my game. It's difficult for me now because management is something new to me and being a 23-year-old manager with not a lot of people accepting that can be difficult. My culture doesn't play a part in my industry a lot of people come from different ethnicities so it's not something that affects my work all the time. I would say my main struggle is with gender and making it aware that even though I am a women I am also fully capable.

ES- What advice do you give to girls who have faced acts of racism towards them in the workplace?

I would tell them to keep their head up high and do not let that affect them and their work ethic. It's important to understand that not everyone thinks the way you do. You should always stay humble and stand up for yourself in a respectful manner.

ES- What is a quote you live by?

DM- " Positive thought plus positive action equals a positive life"