Marta Garcia Martin is a thoughtful and resourceful individual who discovered her passion for cooking during the challenges of quarantine. Marta took on the responsibility of preparing meals for her family while managing online classes and other household duties. Cooking became more than a practical skill for Marta; it was a way to connect with her Guatemalan heritage and learn about diverse cuisines. She enjoys experimenting with dishes inspired by online videos, absorbing knowledge with curiosity and creativity. Her mother, who weaves cultural pride into her cooking, is Marta’s greatest inspiration. Inspired to enhance the skills that learned with her mom she found Sprouts where she was placed at Terrenaga with Chef Nafy Flately. 

Marta’s internship has been a journey of growth and discovery. She has honed her knife skills, learned to work registers, memorized dishes, and developed her presentation abilities—adding vibrant pops of color to plates with ingredients like colorful peppers and pomegranate seeds. She’s particularly proud of her customer service skills and has formed a meaningful connection with her mentor, Chef Nafy. Their conversations about running a smoothie and protein bar business inspired Marta’s curiosity about restaurant marketing and business management.

Though Marta’s career aspirations lie in the medical field, where she is passionate about helping others, she recognizes how this internship has shaped her growth in teamwork, communication, and responsibility. These are tools she plans to carry into her future endeavors, both in and outside the kitchen. Marta also finds joy in journaling, organizing, and being a source of support for her family through translation and care. For Marta, this internship is not just about learning recipes—it’s about gaining life skills, exploring new possibilities, and stepping into her independence.