Danajah’s journey with Sprouts Chef Training has opened her eyes to a new world of possibilities in the culinary arts. Danajah discovered Sprouts Chef Training through Exalt Youth, an organization committed to helping these young people see their potential through structured classes, individualized support, and paid internships. She was then placed at Margot Brooklyn in NYC under the guidance of Chef Luis Miguel Lising.

From her first experience cooking trout with watercress and confit, she felt a sense of pride and accomplishment as she personally served her dish to a customer. The supportive and calm environment of the kitchen allowed her to quickly grow, moving from basic prep work to working on the line and interacting directly with guests. Though initially nervous, this opportunity showed her how fast she was improving and how much she was learning. Through Sprouts, Danajah has gained a wide range of skills, from knife techniques and bread making to plating, grilling, and cooking cauliflower. Her favorite dish to prepare is curry chicken with a tropical salad, a meal she enjoyed making for their family meals. She has also formed close relationships with her crew, who treat her like a little sister and are always willing to share their knowledge. Learning from talented chefs, like the creative Chef Diego, has broadened her understanding of food and deepened her love for culinary arts.

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Beyond the kitchen, Danajah is passionate about youth advocacy and even helped pass legislation by speaking with senators in Albany. While she plans to pursue biomedical engineering in college, she recognizes culinary arts as a fulfilling side passion. Thanks to Sprouts, she has not only developed technical skills but also gained greater confidence, improved her public speaking, and found a positive, creative outlet that she now sees as a potential future career.