MFHA 'Showcase' brings together students and pros

Nation's Restaurant News, April 17, 2006 by Dina Berta

ORLANDO, FLA. -- The MultiCultural Foodservice & Hospitality Alliance's mission is to be an educational authority on multicultural diversity issues in foodservice and hospitality--an effort that includes educating teachers and students.

MFHA, which turns 10 this year, brings together industry professionals, high school students and instructors with a program called "Showcase of the Stars." Held around the country throughout the year, the showcases give teenagers and their teachers a firsthand look at how women and minorities have lead successful hospitality careers.

More than 200 students and teachers connected with managers and executives from Darden Restaurants and Walt Disney World Resorts at a recent showcase in Orlando. The Coca-Cola Co., Cargill Inc., Walt Disney World Co. and Darden sponsored the daylong program.

"I think the students became more attracted to the restaurant industry as they learned about all the different opportunities our industry presents," said Eric Cleveland, a sous chef on the product development team for Darden's 125-unit Smokey Bones Barbecue & Grill.

Cleveland was on a panel of speakers that also included Douglas James, a chef at the Crystal Palace in the Magic Kingdom; Rilous Carter, director of catering and convention services for Walt Disney; Bharat Cosmo Kapoor, restaurant manager for Disney's Port Orleans Resort; and Ana Isaza, development chef for Darden's Olive Garden casual-dining chain.

The students were shy at first, but during the lunch, when they had a chance to speak directly with panelists, they were full of questions, Isaza said.

"Students came to me and said they were inspired by what I said," Isaza said. "It was a wonderful experience. I told them, 'Look at us. You're like us. We're the same.' The only difference is we are living our dream."