Trainee story
Aita Ali is a driven and adaptable young woman with a clear plan for her future. Aita’s journey in the culinary world has been supported by her stepmother, who sparked her interest in cooking during family Thanksgiving dinners. She joined Sprouts Chef Training to deepen her culinary knowledge and strengthen her ability to balance responsibilities, all while enjoying her love for the kitchen. Aita’s experience in the kitchen started at home, where she enjoyed making fish, mashed potatoes, and anything else her family would think up. She further honed her skills while working at a bakery, where she learned essential techniques and built a foundation in baking. Seeking an opportunity to expand her abilities Aita found Sprouts where she was placed at Mago with Chef Mark Liberman.
Her time at Sprouts has expanded her abilities to include prepping squid, creating kits for sauces, and perfecting knife skills, such as cutting plantains evenly. One of Aita’s proudest moments at Sprouts was stepping out of her comfort zone to deshell and prepare squid, overcoming her initial hesitation. She also embraced new flavors, trying passion fruit for the first time and experimenting with recipes like sesame bread and banana kits for the cooks. While Aita’s favorite dish to prepare is fish, she’s also enjoyed experimenting with ice cream, learning how to make custard from scratch. Her mentors describe her as a great communicator, someone who takes ownership of her tasks and stays focused, even when facing challenges like managing a busy schedule. Aita’s resilience, willingness to adapt, and proactive nature have made her an asset in every kitchen she’s joined.
Outside the kitchen, Aita is a dedicated athlete, playing volleyball, where she recently made it to the playoffs. When she’s not cooking or on the court, Aita enjoys hiking and immersing herself in nature, finding balance and inspiration in the outdoors.She credits these activities, along with her culinary training, for teaching her the value of time management—a skill she finds essential for her long-term goal of becoming a product manager. Her experience at Sprouts has shown her how vital each role is in a collaborative environment, inspiring her to appreciate teamwork and organization. With a strong sense of responsibility and a passion for learning, Aita is excited to continue building skills that will serve her both in and beyond the kitchen. Aita is passionate about exploring new opportunities, making connections within her community, and gaining valuable life skills.
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