Women’s History Month is a chance to turn the spotlight on the often invisible work of women. Meet Rokhaya: a teacher, mother, and Hot Bread Kitchen alumni.
Rokhaya Gueye was disoriented when she arrived in New York City in 2016, not knowing how to communicate in English or where to search for a job. “When I came here I didn’t know how I was going to do here,” Rokhaya says. After enrolling in English classes at YMCA’s New Americans Initiative, a safe haven for immigrants seeking support, Rokhaya was referred to Hot Bread Kitchen by her instructors.
Hot Bread Kitchen’s workforce development program and small business incubator are turning the “no’s” that women, immigrants, and people of color often face into “yes’s.” With professional skills training and support, women gain radical self-confidence that propels them forward on a path to stability and security.
“At Hot Bread Kitchen, I learned to be myself and take care of my family. I learned to be confident as I integrated from Africa.”
Our work supporting women, immigrants, and people of color is never done — but we can all join this powerful movement. Become a sustaining member of our “Breadwinners’ Circle” and support working women and radical confidence year round.
Rokhaya’s experience as a teacher in Senegal makes her a natural leader and teammate. Excelling in Hot Bread Kitchen’s Workforce program, Rokhaya learned the technical kitchen fundamentals, essential English language skills, and self-confidence necessary for a job in New York City’s food industry.
As she prepared for her first job interviews in the culinary industry, Rokhaya engaged in mock interview practice sessions and support from the Hot Bread Kitchen Workforce team. With this practice, Rokhaya’s confidence soared, and she landed a job as a prep cook at Food+ by Compass at Google’s NYC campus.
At Hot Bread Kitchen, the confidence our breadwinners feel is radical. Radical confidence is believing in yourself in spite of a world of barriers. Radical confidence is inspiring women to become leaders in their workplace and communities. As a sustaining member of our “Breadwinners’ Circle” you’ll be an integral part of this journey for so many women and entrepreneurs like Rokhaya. Join the movement today.
