I am Takeima Hawkins, a passionate and entrepreneurial food and hospitality professional based in the Washington, DC area. I bring a strong foundation in kitchen operations and nutrition education, with a track record of delivering health-conscious dining experiences and educational programs that empower communities. Currently pursuing a Master of Professional Studies in Food Business at The Culinary Institute of America, I am focused on expanding access to nutritious foods and innovative food systems. I enjoy turning ideas into practical programs and partnerships that improve community health and equitable nutritional access.

Takeima Hawkins

I am Takeima Hawkins, a passionate and entrepreneurial food and hospitality professional based in the Washington, DC area. I bring a strong foundation in kitchen operations and nutrition education, with a track record of delivering health-conscious dining experiences and educational programs that empower communities. Currently pursuing a Master of Professional Studies in Food Business at The Culinary Institute of America, I am focused on expanding access to nutritious foods and innovative food systems. I enjoy turning ideas into practical programs and partnerships that improve community health and equitable nutritional access.

Available to hire

I am Takeima Hawkins, a passionate and entrepreneurial food and hospitality professional based in the Washington, DC area. I bring a strong foundation in kitchen operations and nutrition education, with a track record of delivering health-conscious dining experiences and educational programs that empower communities.

Currently pursuing a Master of Professional Studies in Food Business at The Culinary Institute of America, I am focused on expanding access to nutritious foods and innovative food systems. I enjoy turning ideas into practical programs and partnerships that improve community health and equitable nutritional access.

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Experience Level

Intermediate

Language

English
Fluent

Work Experience

Chef de Partie at Huda Burger
January 1, 2025 - Present
Uphold station mise en place and ensure timely ticket execution in a fast-paced environment. Maintain consistent product execution aligned with brand standards and customer satisfaction goals. Manage daily operations of the assigned kitchen station, ensuring consistency in food quality, presentation, and portion control.
Kitchen Team Member at K’Far Café
January 1, 2023 - Present
Support efficient service in a high-volume, fast-paced kitchen environment. Execute prep and line duties, ensuring quality and presentation meet CookNSolo Restaurants standards. Maintain high food safety and sanitation practices throughout kitchen operations.
Student Nutrition Educator at Drexel University EATRIGHTPHILLY/SNAP-ED
January 1, 2022 - January 1, 2025
Develop and deliver engaging nutrition programming to school-age children and adults. Manage program logistics, including inventory, food orders, and lesson materials preparation. Produce targeted social media content to promote nutrition awareness and boost community engagement.
Undergraduate Member-At-Large at Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.– Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
January 1, 2023 - January 1, 2025
Elected to serve as sole undergraduate on state executive board, contributing to governance decisions on state, regional, and international levels and advocating for the needs of undergraduate members statewide. Spoke at conferences and visited university chapters to mentor student leaders and foster community.
Vice President at Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. – Kappa Sigma Chapter
January 1, 2023 - January 1, 2024
Continued leadership following term as President, focusing on sustaining organizational momentum. Recognized with top university and Greek life honors, including the Order of Omega, Undergraduate of the Year (Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. – Beta Delta Zeta Chapter) and Dean’s Award for Outstanding Leadership and Service for Graduating Seniors (Drexel Student Life).
President at Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. – Kappa Sigma Chapter
January 1, 2022 - January 1, 2023
Directed chapter operations and program execution while increasing chapter visibility and engagement through enhanced social media strategy and strengthened alumni and campus relations. Honored as Student Leader of Year by Drexel University Black Alumni Council and led the chapter to earn Student Organization of the Year by Drexel University for outstanding programming and impact.

Education

Master of Professional Studies in Food Business at The Culinary Institute of America
January 11, 2030 - April 1, 2027
Master of Business Administration, Cum Laude at Drexel University
January 11, 2030 - September 1, 2025
Certificate: Food Innovation at Drexel University
January 11, 2030 - March 2, 2026
Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management, Magna Cum Laude, Minors: Business Administration, Culinary Arts, Food Studies at Drexel University
January 11, 2030 - June 1, 2024
Master of Professional Studies in Food Business at The Culinary Institute of America
January 11, 2030 - April 1, 2027
Master of Business Administration, Cum Laude at Drexel University
January 11, 2030 - September 1, 2025
Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management, Magna Cum Laude at Drexel University
January 11, 2030 - June 1, 2024
Master of Business Administration, Cum Laude at Drexel University
January 11, 2030 - September 1, 2025
Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management, Magna Cum Laude (Minors: Business Administration, Culinary Arts, Food Studies) at Drexel University
January 11, 2030 - June 1, 2024
Master of Professional Studies in Food Business at The Culinary Institute of America
January 11, 2030 - April 1, 2027
Certificate: Food Innovation at Drexel University
January 11, 2030 - March 2, 2026

Qualifications

ServSafe
January 11, 2030 - March 2, 2026
ServSafe
January 11, 2030 - March 2, 2026
ServSafe
January 11, 2030 - March 2, 2026

Industry Experience

Healthcare, Education, Travel & Hospitality, Consumer Goods, Professional Services, Non-Profit Organization