As I come upon my last days as Chief Executive Officer of The Sylvia Center, I’ve been reflecting on the values I hold dear and the privilege it has been to create meaningful experiences for young people in our community—experiences that can shape the course of their lives.
While I’m extremely proud of the number of students we’ve served, the dollars we’ve raised, and the partnerships we’ve built over the last four years, I’m most proud of the personal growth I’ve seen in the people who have been touched by this organization.
When I started at The Sylvia Center in 2022, I did what new Executive Directors do. I embarked on a listening tour with staff, board, partners, supporters, alumni, students, and families. I wanted to understand the program, its impact, and The Sylvia Center’s special sauce.
Again and again, I heard that beyond learning about cooking and nutrition, students were gaining confidence, independence, resilience, and learning how to work together. These conversations reinforced something I’ve always believed: cooking and food are powerful vehicles for helping young people to build skills, grow, and develop.
Trying Something New
Every day in The Sylvia Center classes, we ask students to take risks, try new things, experiment, learn, and fail. As adults, we sometimes forget—or maybe take for granted—how much courage that can take. Young people navigate these challenges every day, and need support, encouragement, and opportunities to discover their capabilities.
I was fortunate to have been taught these lessons as a child in my own after school programs, and I have relied on them throughout my career. I also have seen my young adult children choose careers inspired by their experiences outside the classroom, not by what happened in it.
After nearly four years, I started to wonder: could I still do what we ask of our students? At this stage in my life, was I brave enough to take a risk, try something new, experiment, learn, and fail—and then get back up and move ahead just like we ask our students? Am I truly a lifelong learner?
I decided the answer is yes.
Back to School
This summer, you’ll find me back in the classroom as a student in the Health-Centered Culinary Arts program at the Institute of Culinary Education. I’m excited to deepen my understanding of cooking and nutrition, and to discover what I might learn about myself along the way.
As our team has said our farewells this past month, I’ve been reminded that the reason this recipe works for our students is that it also works for us. We’ve partnered and collaborated, grown and developed, and worked hard—we’ve creatively brought our dreams to life. We’ve celebrated, embraced, and respected diversity at our community table.
I take comfort in knowing these values are embedded at The Sylvia Center. They’re reflected in our classes every day because our team embodies them. It gives me great confidence in The Sylvia Center’s future, and the impact it can continue to make.
With Gratitude
To our Board of Directors, thank you for providing me with this leadership opportunity. To our staff, thank you for your partnership and unwavering support. To our community partners and supporters, thank you for believing in our mission. And to our students and families, thank you for your trust. Serving this community has been a great honor.
We all have the ingredients to create something delicious for our lives. I look forward to sharing my recipe with you in the future. I’m not sure where the ultimate journey will take me, but you’ll be welcome at my table.
Until that time, stay powerful in the kitchen.
With much appreciation and gratitude,
Barbara
