Using Culinary Arts to Develop Leadership Skills in Detroit's Youth
Jen Rusciano is a systems builder, co-founder, and executive director of the Detroit Food and Entrepreneurship Academy (DFA). Since 2011, DFA has provided young Detroiters (ages 10-24) with programs that utilize culinary arts and food entrepreneurship to inspire them to grow as leaders. DFA provides an opportunity for students to explore challenges first-hand, craft their solutions, and connect with support and mentorship from the thriving Detroit community, from classroom to kitchen and career.
DFA works with local educators, chefs, and business owners to inspire young Detroiters through entrepreneurial experiences rooted in food. These experiences open doors, create connections and cultivate confidence. From cooking delicious healthy meals for friends and family to facilitating complex conversations with the community to developing artisanal food projects from scratch to market, students learn by transforming their ideas into real.