Primed & Prepped Founder Steps Down

Kelly's 5-Year Magical Journey Ends!

2013-2018 

"A man may die, nations may rise and fall, but an idea lives on"-John F. Kennedy, 1963

This blog post is saying goodbye to a training program that I created and publicly acknowledging those that helped along the way. It held my top two values, love and passion. Primed & Prepped is my gift to the community! 

After 5 years of serving as the Founder and Program Director of the Primed & Prepped Program (P&P) at the Bayview Y.M.C.A., my journey has ended.

photo by Tonie Brock

This photo was taken during one of my favorite fundraising events, The Cell Phone Party! Casey Neuburger, Human Resource Director, Hotel Nikko, P&P Advisory Board Chair,  Kelly Armstrong, Antoinette Sobalvarro, P&P Fundraising Volunteer.

I am incredibly grateful to Rob Twyman, Regional President of Whole Foods. Our relationship dates back to 2016 when introduced by then President of the Board of S.F. Supervisors, Malia Cohen. Whole Food has not only provided guided tours of their facilities along with dinner for our students but provided them with jobs. We were the recipients of their fundraising event, Nickels for Non-Profits, that awarded us over $7K; they purchased $3K worth of cooking utensils and supplies for our kitchen. The Catering Van that they donated was the icing on the cake for me. I was determined not to leave the Y until I secured a catering van. Thanks, Rob!!

Rob, President of the Board of Supervisors, Kelly, and husband, Lionel Armstrong.

A big shout out to Maria Su, Executive Director, D.C.Y.F., Joanna Rosales, Sherrice Dorsey, Glenn Eagleson, George Suncin,  Monica Flores, and Teodora Ildefonzo for their significant funding to the program and support. I appreciate you guys for also taking the time to come to special events like the Iron Chef Fundraiser and Graduations. The training and workshops have been an added bonus contributing to both my professional and personal growth. Having Amanda Gerrie, Co-Founder, and Partner, Pathway Consultants, as my Coach was a great experience; I learned a lot. Glenn, it's been fantastic working together again. Thanks, everyone!

Photo by Tonie Brock

I am forever grateful to Casey Neuburger, Human Resource Director at Hotel Nikko, for his 5-year leadership role as the Advisory Board Chair of P&P. He has kept his words that he wanted to once the program was up and running be a part of it. Casey developed and managed an incredible Advisory Board of dedicated Members that helped make the Primed & Prepped Program a success. Casey has stepped down as Chair. The Advisory Board's support allowed us to raise program funds, provide internships, exposure to career pathways into the hospitality management/culinary arts industry, field trips, and so much more. P&P has become a model program for the Y.M.C.A. being replicated at the Chinatown and Mission Y.M.C.A. sites, and you helped make that happen. You have my deepest gratitude for your contributions. Thank You!!

Man J. Kim, Owner Lori's Diner, Sears Fine Foods, Golden Gate Bar & Grill

Man Kim has been a private funder of the program from the start.
He's also provided internship opportunities at Lori's Diner,
 Sears Fine Food Restaurants has been a guest lecturer with the program.
Thanks, Man Kim.

Mrs & Mr. Otis Watson

Otis Watson, formerly Assistant Vice President- Western Market 
with Comerica Bank was also a private funder and my Lowell High School Friend

Thank You, Bayview Y.M.C.A., for 5-years!

Yuki Lin, Associate Administrative Services, Me, 
Adaysha Patton,  Membership Staff
and Brenda Lecap, Bookkeeper.  

Monique Le Blanc, Administrative Assistant and Angela Scott, Transitional Coach
 

Grace Woodward Diaz, Director of Financial Development, 
Kelly Armstrong, P&P Founder
Demetrius Durham, Director of  Workforce Development, 
Angela Scott, Transitional Coach,
 and Tacine Parker, Branch Operations Director.

Takija Gardner, District Executive Director, and Kelly.

P&P Chef Instructors

Chef Berlin Lillard

Chef Berlin Lillard was with me for the first 3-years of the program.
 His love and passion for working with youth and cooking set the stage
for the program's success. I'm grateful that he was part of the team!

Chef Yaku Moton-Spruill

I've e enjoyed working with Chef Yaku these last two years because of his entrepreneurial spirit that inspires our youth. He is Chef/Owner of D.O.P.E. Chef Society and a Food Network Star. 

Chef Kevin Tucker

Chef Kevin, also a P&P Instructor, would come in and mentor along with 
Chef Yaku when his busy schedule allowed. Chef Kevin demonstrated
the values of integrity, commitment, and responsibility. 

Chef HuNia

Chef HuNia Bradley was an On-Call P&P Chef Instructor that went on to
be the Culinary Instructor for the Teen Top Chef Program at the S.F. Mission Y.M.C.A.

Thank you for the Honors

Malia Cohen, President of the Board of Supervisors!

Malia Cohen, Board of President of the S.F. Supervisors and newly elected
to the Board of Equalization, District 2, always a P&P supporter.

Tonie Brock, P&P Photographer, introduced me to Gina Fromer,
the former Executive Director of the Bayview Y.M.C.A.
Gina looked for the right culinary program to open in their new kitchen. So, I had the honors to open it with Primed & Prepped. Thanks, ladies!!

All of these lovely people took time out of their lives to celebrate with me.
Others left before the picture taking; it was a humbling experience!

Chuck Collins, President & C.E.O. of the Y.M.C.A., was
on hand to congratulate me! He managed to weave through
traffic to get there on time. 

I was happy to publicly thank Lionel Armstrong,
my husband of 45 years, for his continued support 
with my work in the community.

Photo by Tonie Brock

The Y.M.C.A. is the perfect home, a place where the program will

 continue to grow and expand for years to come. Those

 young people standing behind me motivated me

to do what I did. I am incredibly proud of all of them.

P&P 4th Annual Iron Chef Competition Fundraiser

This was the most meaningful Iron Chef Fundraiser event for personal and professional reasons. First, it touched me deeply to have it place at San Francisco State University in the Vista Room, where P&P was conceived. Second, Dr. David Jones, Lecturer at Cal Poly, Experience Industry Management Department, planted the seed that started me on the journey to bring the Primed & Prepped Program to life. So appreciative that he flew in from Southern California to receive his honor. I knew this would be my last Iron Chef; this was a full-circle moment for me; you can't top that!

Photo by Erin Conger

Dr. Jones was honored with the Flame of Inspiration Award!

Photo by Erin Conger

Casey Neuburger, Human Resource Director, Hotel Nikko,
and P&P Advisory Board  Chair, has provided our students so many opportunities
and resources. We were undoubtedly
partners in this endeavor. I will miss our working relationship.

Photo by Erin Conger

I love this photo of us! Hey guys, let's say hello to Dr. Janet Sims, retired Department.
Chair, San Francisco State University Hospitality Management and Tourism Program.
Sybil Yang, Assistant Professor, Department of Hospitality & Tourism Management and staff, thanks for allowing us to use your facilities. The Vista Room is a great space that holds many memories for me!

Photo Erin Conger

And the 4th Annual Iron Chef winner is the Marriott Marquis SF Hotel, with Chef David Hollands and Chef Keith Jeanminette standing next to Chef Yaku. This was Rickey's
  (left) 3rd Iron Chef win and Derrick's first.

Photo by Erin Conger

2nd Place was Chef Oscar Gonzalez (in white chef coat) Fairmont Hotel 
The young man holding his medal is Lahrul, who is a P&P Inaugural student, 
his 2nd Iron Chef win, and our first student working
full-time at the Fairmont in the Tonga Room. 
Chef Oscar has been a great mentor over the years to our students!

Chef Yaku- Gets the students Primed & Prepped For Competition.

Photo by Tonie Brock

Chef Yaku, Bayview Y.M.C.A. Chef Instructor, conducts a special Boot Camp preparing the students for the competition. They learn kitchen safety and sanitation, knife skills, working under pressure, and so much more. Chef Kevin Tucker, also a P&P Instructor, assisted with the training.

P&P  Students Are Job Ready

Photo by Erin Conger

Over the years, P&P Students have received Internship offers
during the competition. They are confident and Prepped to accept on-the-spot job offers, thanks in part to our very own Angela Scott, Life Skills and Transitional Coach. That's her son Andrew who is also a P&P graduate!



Photo by Tonie Brock

Christian (holding the mike) is the perfect example of being job-ready.
During this event, Christian approached Terry Blanchard, President, Wing Stops South Bay, and asked for a job. Again, Christian stepped out of his comfort zone and went after what he wanted, and he really wanted to work. So yes, he got a  job at Wing Stop!

Fernando, Wing Stop Manager (wearing glasses), and his staff were on hand serving those delicious wings. Terry Blanchard, thanks for always supporting us, and you will be missed!

Christian was hired on the spot of the Iron Chef event!


Hotel Chefs Mentoring P&P Students

P&P students play the role of Sous Chefs during the Iron Chef competition while being mentored by incredible Hotel Chefs and their teams. The Iron Chefs are Marcelo Salinas from Park Central, David Hollands Marriott Marquis SF, Oscar Gonzalez, Fairmont,  Esteban Soria, Four Seasons, Adam Espinosa, Hotel Nikko. 

.

Tillie has excellent culinary arts skills, not only a student in 
the program, she also participates in the culinary program at
 Thurgood Marshall.

Looks like Rickey is caught up in a teachable moment with

The Marriott's Chef Kevin Kacprzak. I love how he's paying attention!!

 Lahrul was in a dual role at the Iron Chef as a

P&P inaugural student and employee on the team with

the Fairmont Hotel. Gives me the fuzzes!!

This was Keith's first Iron Chef event; he caught on quickly as he assisted Chef Adam!

Photo by Erin Conger

Elanna, P&P Student, and Chef Yaku's Assistant are
also prepping beets. This is her second Iron Chef!
She has worked at Star Bucks
and as the Kitchen Assistant with Chef Yaku.

Photo by Tonie Brock

Angel has been a Chef Intern at the Fairmont Hotel; this
is his second Iron Chef event. Angel has also
worked for Yvonne's Sweets on Third St.

Photo by Tonie Brock

Rickey has been an inaugural P&P student since 2013.
It was because of him and Lahrul that initiated the Iron Chef Competition.
He has been on the winning team  3-times.
Currently an Intern Chef with the Fairmont Hotel.

Photo by Tonie Brock

Isaac has participated in 3-Iron Chef events and interns with the
 InterContinental Hotel in the I.T. Department. He has
an inspiring story about his internship experience and how
he helped save the I.T. Department money.

This was Caleb's first Iron Chef, and as you can 

see, he was Primed & Prepped!

This was Derrick's second  Iron Chef, first win 

and he's interned at the Fairmont. 

Photo by Tonie Brock

Derrick was on the winning team with Chef  David 

while teammate JaQuan looked on! What a hug!

A Faz Teaching Moment

From 1997-to 2002, Faz Poursohi of Faz Restaurants 
was my introduction to the food industry. I  was the Community Relations Consultant
for Faz Restaurants. Faz not only catered my daughter's wedding, but
he also catered the opening night event of the Primed & Prepped Kitchen.




Faz asked these two inaugural students to plate the desserts he provided.'
 to the event from his Faz Bakery in Danville. As you can see, they are
engaged as he shows them how to plate the desserts. 

Photo by Tonie Brock

The inaugural students work well with mentoring the new students.

by Tonie Brock

So happy to see Rickey in a kitchen; he really wants to be
a Chef and Restaurateur! 

Photo by Erin Conger

I knew Tristen as a baby, my daughter, and his Dad 
are childhood friends.  Tristen was an Intern Chef for 2-years at the Fairmont, 
where his grandfather used to work. Chef Andrew immediately took him under his wing and anointed him, family. He is pursuing a career as an Entertainer
And that he indeed is! 

Photo by Erin Conger

Tada! Tristen Ellington is with Khristen Chiles who
was a Chef Intern at the InterContinental and a Concierge at the Marriott Marquis

Primed & Prepped Advisory Board

P&P Advisory Board is instrumental in the implementation of this incredible event.
Casey Neuburger Advisory Board Chair works closely with me
securing the location site, organizing the chef's food judges, managing the Advisory Board,
soliciting donations, in-kind gifts, and so much more.

Photo by Erin Conger

Casey Neuburger has played a crucial role in the success of the P&P Program.
Other members are Debra Higa, Director of Human Resources, Westin St. Francis, Sonja Jauregui, Director of Human Resources, I.H.G. Holiday Inn-Fishermans Wharf, standing directly behind Casey is John McDaniel, I.H.G. Holiday Inn-Fisherman Wharf, (can't make out the lady in all black behind him),  Kevin Carroll, Executive Director of the Hotel Council, Julie Fallon, Human Resource Director with the Marriott Marquis. Standing in the orange shirt is Don Brown, Concierge with NEMA Luxury Apartments, a P&P Fundraiser Volunteer. Missing from the photo is Rashaida Nirobe, one of my mentors who assisted me when P&P was just a concept.




P&P Advisory Board member Emanuel Brueh, Director of Human Resources 
at Parc 55 Hilton, hosted the 2018 P&P Graduation. In addition, he helped edit the P&P Proposal
and Perla Barrientos, lots of late evenings, and Chinese dinners!  

P&P Advisory Board Member Julie Fallon, Human Resource Director with the Marriott Marquis SF made it possible for P&P Internships.
 She supported me when P&P was just a concept!

P&P Advisory Board Member Michele Gaul-Regional Director 
of Human Resources at the Fairmont also made
 it possible for many of the P&P Internships. 
There is now a student working full-time with the Fairmont!!

P&P Advisory Board Member Christina Tang, Human Resource Manager at the Hilton, is also a San Francisco State University Hospitality Management & Tourism Program Alumni. I was one of her mentors. It was such an honor to work with her again. Debra Higa, Human Resource Director at the Westin St. Francis, was always there when I needed her!

The Iron Chef Judges

The Iron Chef Judges are Tim Shaw, Chef Instructor, San Francisco State University,

Ronald Ng, Chef Instructor, City College of SF, Kevin Carroll, Executive Director, Hotel Council, 

Man J. Kim, Lori's Diner, and Chuck Collins, President & CEO Y.M.C.A.

The P&P Volunteers

Judy Lepe served as my Administrative Volunteer for 3-years.
I don't know what I would have done without her!!

Jackie Wright, Wright Enterprises, assisted with
Public Relations, and fundraising, Antoinette Sobalvarro was one
of my Fundraising and Logistics Volunteers. 

Lisa Bishop, a dear friend, and supporter of the program, me with my signature red jacket and  Darnisha Wright. Darnisha was a life coach, very instrumental in me getting clarity and direction as I developed the P&P program.

Tonie Brock, P&P Photographer, took some amazing photos throughout my 5-year reign.

David Shaw and Michael Wagner, Promotions West, are both donors
 and P&P Fundraiser Volunteers.
 We've done some incredible work over the years and
 to have it continue with P&P
was the icing on the cake for me!

Don and Antoinette were two of my key fundraisers and program supporters.
I've known these guys for over 15 years or longer! 

Doris Broussard was one of my Administrative Assistants Volunteer

 and the Grandmother of P&P student Sonte who interned at the Fairmont.

Chef Alice Cravens who runs the Heat of the Kitchen at Ida B. Wells, 
was an essential partner to P&P, referring students to our program. 
Over the years, we've developed a genuine friendship!!

Irene Audet was also one of my Administrative Assistant Volunteers!

The Epicurean Group 

Volunteers Cleaning and Organizing
P&P Kitchen

Marvin Rodriquez, Co-Founder of the Epicurean Group, Phil Wright, Vice President of Culinary, and Lori Coronado, Director of Standard & Merchandising, would periodically drop by the Bayview Y.M.C.A. to donate kitchen supplies like the Cage below and assists with cleaning and organizing our kitchen. We were always very grateful!

There was no job too big or small, as you can see with Marvin
sweeping and then mopping the floor.

Phil Wright, also a P&P Advisory Board Member,
 was diligent about reaching out to me regularly to see how
he could support the program.

Lori was the key organizer of the group, and I enjoyed watching her work!

Assembling this Cage gave them a run for the money; it took a while before they
got it right!

Chef Yaku, Marvin, Lori, and Phil

Thanks for all your support!

THANK YOU!

There are so many others that have not been mentioned that helped me with the

program; you know who you are. Please know that I'm forever grateful!

TO CONTACT KELLY

imagemaker86@hotmail.com
415-585-2412