rva foundTIONS KITCHEN: a school for us

About Coco

I grew up in a home where cooking was more than just making meals—it was a way to bring people together. Some of my fondest memories are of being in the kitchen with my family, learning to cook and share food with the people I love. That early passion led me to culinary school, where I honed my skills, and then into professional kitchens, where I learned the art, discipline, and creativity of cooking at a higher level.

But outside of the industry, I saw a different reality. As a service manager, I worked with teenagers who didn’t know how to feed themselves beyond fast food and microwave meals. Later, after having my own child, I connected with moms who felt lost in the kitchen—unsure of how to cook from scratch or make nutritious meals on a budget. Time and again, I saw how the lack of basic cooking skills created stress, limited food choices, and took the joy out of mealtime.

Looking at the world today, with rising food costs and more people struggling to balance health, time, and finances, I knew I wanted to do something that would bring me both joy and purpose. That’s when it became clear—helping others learn to cook isn’t just about food. It’s about empowerment, confidence, and community. Teaching young people how to create delicious, nourishing meals gives them a skill they’ll carry for life, one that strengthens not just individuals, but entire families and communities.

This is why I started my nonprofit—to make cooking accessible, practical, and fun, so that everyone, regardless of background, can experience the joy of creating and sharing real food.