Kenya transforms her struggles into a life-changing culinary program for families at Vista Nueva.
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — From neighbors lending a hand to inspiring acts of kindness, each week we’re sharing stories of people making a difference.
This week’s “Champions of Hope” spotlight is on Kenya, who has turned her own challenges into opportunities for others. In her kitchen, ingredients have become more than food — they’re tools for healing, empowerment and new beginnings.
Kenya, a single mother, left her home in San Francisco in search of a better life for herself and her daughter. She faced homelessness, struggled to find stable housing and searched for steady work before finding Vista Nueva, a permanent supportive housing community that connects vulnerable families with essential services.
“I needed to not ever go homeless again for my daughter,” Kenya said.
When she toured the facility, she discovered its small kitchen. Though it had no stove, she saw it as an opportunity. Kenya already had culinary training and experience as a sous chef, and she wanted more.
“In a nutshell, I was able to go from a cook to an executive chef in five years, which is typically unheard of,” she said. “One, I’m a woman of color. Two, I’m a woman.”
She credits the kitchen for showing her everything she was capable of — even without a college degree.
Kenya eventually became a program manager at Vista Nueva and pitched a culinary program that would change her life.
“I’ve been able to create my own business and start my own business,” she said. “I’ve been able to run workforce programs in now two cities, and I’ve been able to change lives. Most of all, I’ve been able to inspire others.”
Among those inspired is culinary student Janette Diaz, who hopes to one day open a food truck with her daughter.
“Hearing her story honestly empowers not only me but the other students,” Diaz said. “I’m a survivor myself of human trafficking, and I can’t physically work right now. So having this opportunity is keeping me in good spirits and letting me know that, hey, you may be down right now, but you got this.”
Another student, Jazmin Fischer-Guevara, is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in psychology while overcoming profound loss.
“My 15-year-old son was murdered eight years ago, and that turned my life upside down,” she said. With the support of her husband, Fischer-Guevara said she found the hope to keep moving forward and has devoted herself to the culinary class.
Kenya has also built partnerships with restaurants and small businesses to give her students a pathway forward.
“They would at least take a look at our graduates, interview them and hopefully hire them,” she said.
Even with her accomplishments, Kenya said her greatest job will always be being a mom.
“She has been able to see night and day… now watching me sign leases without having to second guess my income or whether or not we qualify, which is just a different kind of freedom.”
The culinary training program hopes to expand and is asking for community support. To learn more or donate, visit jamboreehousing.com.