A Letter from Our Executive Director
DearFriends,
OneyearagowhenIjoinedDetroitFoodAcademy(DFA)asExecutiveDirector,IknewthenthatIhadsomebigshoestofill Previous leadershiplaidasolidfoundationfortheorganization,andcementedourfutureastheleadingafterschoolleadershipprogramfor culinaryartsinDetroitandHamtramck Myjobwas(andstillis!)tofigureouthowtotakethissuccesstothisnextlevel!
Thankfully,IwasalsowelcomedtoDFAbyanincredibleteam So,whentheysuggestedwefindnewwaystoshareourschoolyear successes,Icouldn’tpassupthisboldnewformat Thisyearbookcapturessomeofourmostmemorablemomentsfrom2023-2024, noneofwhichwouldbepossiblewithouttheirhardworkandourunwaveringcommunityofsupporters YOU!
SinceSeptember2023,DFAhas:
Servedmorethan300uniquestudentsthisyearat8cohortsacrossDetroitandHamtramck; Exploredfoodfromculturesallaroundtheworld; HiredanewDirectorofWorkforceDevelopmenttofocusonstudents’post-secondarysuccess; Heldbakesales,dinnerparties,andeven4public-facingdinnersfortheirend-of-yearprojects; Invitedchefs,farmers,andeducatorsthroughoutthecitytospendthesummerteachingouryouthabouttheirowngreaturban foodlandscape,locatedrighthereinDetroit!
Mostimportantly,weempoweredyoungpeopletogrowintohealthy,connected,andpowerfulleadersthataffectchangeintheir communitiesandbeyond-andwe’rejustgettingstarted Joinmeonthiswalkdownmemorylaneaswecelebrateaverymemorable 2023-2024schoolyearandallthegreatthingswewereabletoaccomplishtogether!
Incommunity,
KIKI LOUYA, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Afterschool Leadership Program
DFAprogrammingequipsyoungpeoplewith nuancedfoodknowledgethatcantranslate intohealthypersonaldecisionmaking Each year,youthparticipantsdevelopculinary skills,socialemotionalskills,aholistic understandingofhealthylifestyles,anda strongerconnectiontotheircommunity Inthe2023-2024schoolyear,webegan with6programsites,andaresoproudto haveendedtheyearwith8dynamic cohortsdelivering30weeksofDFA curriculum Participationinourweekly AfterschoolLeadershipProgramsalso doubledthisschoolyear!FromOctober throughMay,youthgatheredaround themesofKnifeSkills,KitchenSafety, Nutrition,Wellness,FoodJustice,Natural Resources,Baking,FoodStories,andan EntrepreneurialCapstoneProject
DFA’scurriculumincorporatedtimelyand culturally-relevantlearningtopicslike sustainability,urbanfarming,foodsofthe AfricanDiaspora,andworldcuisines Our holisticapproachencouragedmore creativity,exploration,ownership,and confidenceinouryouths’culinaryjourneys, withtheintenttoextendoutwardintotheir overallsocialemotionalwellbeing
“My favorite thing I learned this year was how to make new and different food from different backgrounds” - Soniya, Hamtramck High School student
Our Impact: 8
Cohorts
315
Youth served
208 Days of program held
Pictured: Advanced student, Tiffany
I am excited to be a part of the great work DFA is doing supporting youth in their culinary exploration because culinary art has been an important part of my life and career It is beautiful to see our youths’ excitement and talent grow I am honored to be a part of the work to support youth in their journey, teach new recipes, and support my team in doing great work
Amanda Saab, DIRECTOR OF PROGRAMS
89%
Youth felt confident in their understanding of basic cooking and cutting techniques.
77%
Youth expressed confidence making healthy meals and snacks for themselves
Youth learned how to create healthy, “from-scratch” versions of some of their fast food favorites and explored different healthy drink options to keep them hydrated!
1in
3
Students completed the program with an improved knowledge of where the food on their plates comes from.
Pictured (right) with DFA Board member, Ederique Goudia (left)
1in 3
Students felt more connected to Detroit and their community by the end of the program
Toconnectyouthwithrolemodelsfromtheir community,wehostedguestspeakerswhoshared theirexpertise,guideddemonstrations,andprovided insightintotheirfulfillingworkinDetroit’sfood ecosystem
Youthembarkedon13experientiallearningtripsto localrestaurants,smallbusinesses,andurbanfarms tolearnfrominnovatorsandentrepreneursintheir ownbackyards
DFAalsohostedaprogram-wideCommunityUnity Feastwherefamiliesfromallcohortsbrokebread togetherandcelebratedthefirstsemesterof programming
100%
Students tried food from another culture
Youth tried new recipes from different cultures –kimchi, lumpia, bison fry bread tacos, Jamaican patties, butter chicken, and Chinese dumplings to name a few! They learned about foods of the African Diaspora including akara, egusi, fufu, and jollof, and traced the food stories leading to dishes we enjoy today! 86% of students agreed that they were likely to try a new foods in the future.
“My favorite thing I learned this year is how different cultures can combine to bring happiness to people through food”
Lesya, Advanced youth and Youth Empowerment Board President
70%
Youth agreed that food was a part of their identity by the end of the year
Youth from all cohorts collaborated on a Food Stories Zine in partnership with University of Michigan’s Sustainable Food Program to document their personal food histories and stories. Students creatively expressed themselves through poetry, letters, collage, drawings, and photos to provide wonderfully candid snapshots of their experience in DFA programming.
40%
Youth reported a greater comfort in talking about their emotions and how they feel inside.
DFA incorporates a multifaceted approach to wellness in our programs, including nutrition, youth mental health, and strengthening social supports Through different social emotional learning activities and leadership opportunities, youth are challenged to increase their self-awareness of their emotions, their strengths, and their own individual interests and goals
88%
Youth agreed with the statement: “
My voice is important.”
Above: Advanced youth, Xoro’s zine contribution Left: Hamtramck High School youth, Mustakim, poses with Jamaican patties
Virtual Program
Transportation is universally one of out-of-school-time programming’s largest barriers to participation. Meeting youth where they're at (in this case, in their homes!) is one small way we make our programming more accessible to a larger demographic Virtual youth meet weekly to cook on camera, and are supported by regular deliveries of fresh, nutritious ingredients right to theirdoorsteps
This year, DFA started a new tradition of Virtual Cook Alongs as a way to remain connected to students during school breaks! To extend our reach beyond individual youth, DFA sent home monthly ingredient kits packed with nutritious ingredients and recipes portioned large enough for afamilyoffour Youthprogram-wideandtheirfamiliesweretheninvitedtojoinusoncameraand explorenewrecipestogetherduringweeksthatschoolwasclosed
In celebration of Black History Month, youth were given peach cobbler kits, and learned the cultural relevance and historical context of the dish Director of Programs, Amanda Saab, demonstrated how to make her family’s recipes for fresh pita bread and tabouli during Arab AmericanHeritageMonth
Virtualstudents’favoritethingsthattheylearnedthisyear:
“JusthowmuchcookingandfoodisImportanttoourcityandplanet”-David “CookingdoesnothavetobeelaborateandcomplicatedItcanbeeasyand justasgood“-Nabiha
“Meetingamazingandtalentedchefs!Ilovedlearninghowtoimprovemyknife skillsandgetbetterwithchoppingveggies”-Fariha,Advancedstudentand JuniorFacilitatorfortheVirtualCohort
Advanced Leadership Program
This school year, the Advanced cohort fostered an exceptionally bright, driven, and supportive group of students Together, they held an eclectic mix of interests and shared different identities Over the years, and with the care and support of their loving program facilitators, these youth fostered a supportive environment where they could show up as themselves, make mistakes, hold each other accountable, andgrowingintoyoungadults.
At their capstone project, this Advanced cohort researched, developed, and executed a public-facing, fine dining experience They thoughtfully centered their menu around Pride: in one's identity, one's home, and one's culture They spent months planning all components of a dinner to represent who they are as young Detroitersandtalentedculinarians
Thisdinnerwasasmuchaspaceforyouthtoshowcasetheirculinaryaptitudeasit wasforthemtoexpresswhatwasontheirminds,thestrugglestheywitnessedand processed alongside adults, and their hopes for a future as they celebrated uniqueness and acceptance DFA could not be more proud of these talented, thoughtfulstudents
23
Advanced Youth enrolled in the 2023-2024 school year
$19,860
Stipends collectively earned by the Advanced cohort
3.5
Average years that Advanced youth have been in DFA programming, with older youth amounting 4-6 years
Xoro, Rashawn, Talia, Tytiana, Tiffany, Justin, Khaleel, Fariha, and Mohima pose with the Advanced program facilitators, Chefs Le’Genevieve Squires and Jermond Booze
Workforce Development
WithinourcommunityandDFA’sownsuiteofprogramofferings,weidentifiedaneedandopportunitytosupportyouthwith theirtransitionfromhighschoolintotheworkforceorfurthereducation
Our Workforce Development initiatives begin as early as middle school with an introduction to entrepreneurship and continually develop around 16 years of age and up, when most youth are beginning to prepare for independence and adulthood Ourinitiativesmanifestasthoughtfullycuratedworksiteplacementsforstudents,developmentoftheDFAAlumni Association, care packages for youth going away to college, life skills and financial literacy workshops for Advanced Cohort youth,anddevelopmentofourSmallBatchjobskillstrainingprogram
100%
Advanced Youth ended the school year feeling confident making a personal budget
20+
Local employers held on-site interviews for our “Discover Hospitality Day” held in partnership with Henry Ford College and Hospitality Included
We focus on empowering our youth with the transferable skills and knowledge they need to excel as individuals in our community and the workforce It is an invaluable investment in our youth Our hope is that through these intangible investments, our youth are prepared, equipped with essential tools, and have a clear path to their own success We are excited to continue expanding these opportunities, fostering both personal and professional development for our youth
Le’Genevieve Squires DIRECTOR OF WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT
“”My favorite thing I learned this year is how to help others around me while cooking”” -Khaleel, Advanced youth and DFA Scholarship recipient (right) with Advanced youth, Ryan (left)
InSeptember,DFAAlumandpreviousSmallBatchyouthemployee,Diamond Dantzler(picturedright),waspromotedtofull-timeSmallBatchBusiness Manager Diamondnowleadsincomingyouthemployeesinfoodproductionand safety,andoverseesthegrowthofourbrands
Duringthe2023HolidaySeason,SmallBatchcollaboratedwithfourlocalchefsto produceDFA’sJamSession!ChefsAndyHollyday(SeldenStandard),Anthony Lombardo(ShewolfPastificio&Bar),ShawnLoving(DetroitAthleticClub),andKiki Louya(DFA)collaboratedwithSmallBatchstafftocreatealimited-editionseries ofjamsofferedjustforthe2023HolidaySeason Theexperienceofferedyouth employeesinsightintoflavorcreation,brandingandmarketing,andtrue entrepreneurship!
$129,685
Small Batch
Detroit Food Academy’s social enterprise, Small Batch Detroit provides job skills training and foundational professional development through equitable employment This year, Small Batch youth employees debuted new, youthdesigned product flavors, learned financial literacy through open book management and weekly staff meetings, and gained valuable customer service skills through order fulfillment and in-person shifts at our weekly farm stand They obtained food safety certifications and learned about timeliness, efficiency, branding and marketing, and other job readiness skills that will carry them through future careers in the food industry, educational pursuits, and beyond
Small Batch Total Revenue in 2023
Chef Shawn Loving, Certified Master Chef, and Small Batch youth employee, Jaiden, connect while working on DFA’s Jam Session!
Scholarships
Thisschoolyear,DFAreinvigoratedtheLevyRigatoScholarshipProgram,foundedbyBoard Chair,DesireVincentLevy,formerDetroit Lionslinebacker,DeAndreLevy,andChef JamesRigato(MableGray) Thiswasawarded tograduatingsenior,SkyeMorris Skyeis attendingJohnsonandWalesCollegeofFood InnovationandTechnologytopursueafouryeardegreeinculinaryarts
DFAalsodebutedtwonewscholarships:the SuccessPathwaysScholarship,whichwas awardedtofiveadditionalgraduatingseniors fromtheAdvanced2023-2024cohortto supporttheirpursuitoftraditionalcollegeor tradeschooleducations,andtheProfessional AdvancementScholarshipcreatedforDFA alumniwishingtosharpentheirskillset throughnewprofessionaldevelopment opportunities
Since the inception of the scholarship program, we’ve had some really pivotal learning experiences that helped us understand how the program needed to be revised to best support students that go through DFA programming So, we took some time to revise with DFA leadership and re-launched the program this year with three different tracks of support I am really proud of this 2 0 version of the program and I look forward to the impact it will have as we support the next steps of students in the coming years!
Desiré Vincent Levy BOARD CHAIR
Le’Genevieve Squires (right) assisting DFA Scholarship recipient, Skye Morris, at the Advanced capstone dinner
Members:
Daria Beavers, “Money Guru,” DFA Alum and Staff
Diamond Dantzler, “Meeting Maverick,” DFA Alum and Staff
Sanaa Henry, “Community Connector,” DFA Advanced Cohort student
Lesya Johnson, President, DFA Advanced Cohort student
Deshawn Lindsay, “Youth Board Liaison,” DFA Alum and Staff
Skye Morris, “Community Connector,” DFA Advanced Cohort student
Shardaya Morse, “Promo Prodigy,” DFA Alum
Shyla Rucker, Vice President, DFA Alum and Small Batch youth employee
Youth Empowerment Board
Mission: The Youth Empowerment Board fosters growth, learning, and advocacy amongst youth and families of Detroit Food Academy, and creates inclusive spaces while nurturing connections. Through engagement and support, the YEB aims to empower individuals to advocate for their needs and aspirations within our local Detroit food ecosystem and beyond.
InJanuary,DFAlauncheditsYouthEmpowerment Board(YEB)comprisedofcurrentyouthandDFA alumni Youtharenowabletoactivelycontribute tothedevelopmentofourintroductorycurriculum contentandengageinshapingtheprogram's direction,fosteringleadershipandinnovationina youth-drivenspace!
YEBmembersareactivelygleaningexperiential leadershipskillssuchasunderstanding organizationalstructure,creatingbudgets, fundraisingandsolicitingdonations,craftinga missionstatementandbylaws,improvingtheir communicationskills,andputtingonapublicfacingyouthevent!
YEB Member, Daria Beavers, attends the Youth-Driven Spaces Conference
Youthino Leadershi thetheme collective natural,s resources youthwel insociale improvan embarked touredEa outdooro Farm,sam businesse corridor,a
$44,790
Wage earned by youth in partnership with Grow Detroit’s Young Talent
Advanced Summer Leadership Program
Advanced youth were placed in paid internships that aligned their culinary passions with partnering businesses that share DFA’s values Local food leaders generously mentored selected students, shared first job skills, and offered critical exposure the food and hospitality industry
42%
ASLP youth who were offered permanent employment after their internship concluded
100%
Advanced Youth who felt confident making a personal budget by the end of the school year
Thankyoutoourpartneringbusinesses whohostedDFAinterns!
Bangkok 96
Coriander Kitchen & Farm
FOLK Detroit
Good Cakes & Bakes
Ima
Make Food Not Waste
Selden Standard
Share Crackers
Shewolf Pastaficio & Bar
Small Batch Detroit
Sweet Potato Sensations
Advanced youth and DFA scholarship recipient, Talia, at her summer worksite placement, Good Cakes & Bakes
AChatwith BoardChair, DesiréVincent Levy:
After serving on DFA's Board of Directors for the last 6 years, what inspired your decision to step into the role of Board Chair?
BeingwithDFAforthelast6yearshasbeenoneofmy mostmeaningfulengagementssincemovingtoDetroitin 2016 WhentheopportunitytotransitiontoBoardChair wasraised,Iwasexcitedtohaveagreaterroleinshaping DFA’sfuturealongsideournewexecutivedirector,Kiki I amgratefulforthetrustoftheBoardofDirectorstoserve DFAinagreatercapacity
What work are you most proud of?
IammostproudtoseeandhearhowtheDFAteam continuestoservestudentsandconsistentlybringnew ideasofhowtoserveDFAstudentsevenbetter Ibelievethatwehaveagreatprivilegeandresponsibility tooffermeaningfulDFAprogramsbecausewe’rehelping growthenextgeneration Thenextgenerationdeserves thebestopportunitytothriveforthemselvesandasthe individualspoisedtoinheritourworld Wehaveadutyto equipthemwiththeskills,knowledge,andconfidenceto buildthemselves,theirfamilies,andtheircommunities
What values guide your leadership and hopes for DFA?
What does DFA's future look like?
DFA’sfutureisbright!AsDFAcontinuestobuildoffofits firsttenyears,DFA’sfuturewillincludeanexpansionand diversificationofDFA’sprogramswhilestillremaining committedtoDFA’scoremission Welongforourown home,andprogramsthatengageparentsandcaretakers ofyouthinmoredirectways
Board Chair, Desire Vincent Levy, and Executive Director, Kiki Louya
Thank you to the amazing folks who worked so hard this year to make our programming possible!
Staff
Kelli Bartelotti
Daria Beavers
Darrell Beavers
Dominique Black
Elle Gillon
Erin Cole
Jermond Booze
Kaylyn Dailey
Diamond Dantzler
Shay Goudia
Rachel Hays
Tiffiny Jones
Kirby Shoote
Deshawn Lindsay
Kiki Louya
Howard Perry
Shyla Rucker
Amanda Saab
Curtis Schabath
Le’Genevieve Squires
Deonte Taylor
Jaiden Whitt
Board
Ederique Goudia
Bill Greene
Noam Kimelman
Desiré Vincent Levy
Anthony Lombardo
Brittany Rhodes
Jen Rusciano
