Good afternoon, distinguished graduates, esteemed faculty, family, friends, and supporters of Philabundance Community Kitchen.

It is both an honor and a privilege to stand before you today to celebrate this incredible milestone in my hometown: the 100th culinary graduation. This is a moment of triumph, reflection, and a bold step into the future for each of you.

The significance of this 100th graduation cannot be overstated. It represents not just the culmination of your hard work, but also the enduring impact of PCK over the years. One hundred graduating classes have walked this path, each leaving a legacy of resilience, creativity, and hope. You are now part of a monumental milestone, carrying forward the torch lit by those who came before you. Think about this: you are part of a legacy that has helped transform lives, uplift families, and strengthen communities. This isn’t just a graduation; it’s a celebration of the power of perseverance and the profound difference that opportunities like this program create.

Today, we gather not just to honor your hard work but also to acknowledge the journey that brought you here. Philadelphia is a city known for its resilience and heart, and you are living testaments to those qualities. Each of you has overcome obstacles, defied expectations, and embraced opportunities to create a brighter future—not only for yourselves but also for the communities you touch. That’s what makes today so extraordinary.

Many of you came here with stories that could fill stadiums. Stories of adversity, moments of doubt, and challenges that might have seemed insurmountable. Yet, here you are, graduates of a program that doesn’t just teach culinary skills but also fosters hope, empowerment, and transformation. You have proven that no matter where you start, the combination of determination, support, and passion can lead to remarkable achievements.

Your time at P C K was not just about learning how to prepare a perfect risotto or master a knife cut. It was about embracing discipline, creativity, and collaboration. It was about learning to turn raw ingredients into works of art—and in many ways, that’s a metaphor for your lives. You’ve taken raw potential, added the right tools and guidance, and created something magnificent.

To the family members and supporters in the room, today is also a testament to your unwavering encouragement. You’ve cheered from the sidelines, lifted spirits in moments of doubt, and celebrated every small victory along the way. Thank you for being the foundation that helped make this day possible.

Graduates, as you leave this program and step into the culinary world, know this: you carry with you more than technical expertise. You carry resilience, adaptability, and the power to inspire others. In every meal you prepare, every team you lead, and every goal you achieve, you will be a beacon of what’s possible when we refuse to let our circumstances define us.

As someone who has spent years advocating for equity, justice, and access, I see in each of you the promise of a future where food isn’t just sustenance but a way to bring people together, heal communities, and drive change. I am also deeply proud to be part of the Feeding America network, which includes Philabundance—a network committed to ending hunger and uplifting lives. You are now part of this movement, and your role is vital.

Your lived experiences, combined with the culinary skills you’ve mastered here, are what make you authentic and powerful. Never underestimate the importance of your story. I know this because it resonates deeply with my own journey. Growing up, I faced the painful reality of food insecurity. I remember vividly the ache of hunger and the weight of uncertainty that came with it. There were nights when the pantries were bare, and the simple act of eating felt like an unattainable luxury. It’s a type of struggle that stays with you, shaping your outlook and your determination.

But it was in those moments of despair that a spark ignited within me. I knew I had to fight for a better life—not just for myself but for my family and my community. That drive led me to opportunities I never imagined. And although it’s hard, I feel most alive when I stand on stages like this, sharing my story with people from all walks of life. I never imagined I’d have the privilege of advocating for those who face the same struggles I once did. Yet here I am, and it’s that lived experience that fuels my passion every day. It’s the reason I believe so deeply in the power of authenticity and in the strength of our stories to inspire others.

Your stories—every challenge, every victory—are just as powerful. They are the threads that connect us to one another, weaving a tapestry of resilience and hope. Use them to forge connections, to inspire, and to create change in ways only you can. Authenticity is your greatest strength because it’s rooted in truth and lived experience, and there is nothing more impactful than that.

Pause for a moment and think about the journey ahead. For some of you, this may be your first graduation, you are the trailblazer; but challenges will still present themselves. Life doesn’t suddenly become easy because you’ve reached this milestone. There will be moments of doubt, days of difficulty, and times when you feel the weight of the journey ahead. But in those moments, rely on the principles you’ve cultivated here: discipline, perseverance, and the belief in your own capacity to overcome.

Each of you has the power to redefine what success looks like in your own lives. Will you build a career that not only provides for yourself but also creates opportunities for others? Will you use your platform to advocate for better food systems, to create change that ripples across your community and beyond? The answers to these questions lie within you. Dream big, but remember that big dreams often start with small, meaningful steps.

And as you step into the culinary world, remember that your work goes beyond creating meals—it’s about creating experiences. The food you prepare will not only nourish bodies but also create moments of joy, connection, and memories that last a lifetime. Each dish you plate has the potential to be a masterpiece, not just in its beauty and decadence but in its ability to bring people together. Imagine the celebrations, the laughter, and the stories shared over meals you craft. That’s the magic of what you do—it’s not just food; it’s a bridge to something greater.

Remember, greatness isn’t about perfection. It’s about progress. It’s about standing back up every time you fall and turning every challenge into a chance to grow. It’s about daring to be bold, to experiment, and to take risks—both in the kitchen and in life. And above all, it’s about believing that your unique contributions can and will make a difference.

This 100th graduation marks the beginning of a new chapter. Take with you the lessons you’ve learned here: that perseverance pays off, that teamwork makes dreams work, and that you are capable of achieving greatness, no matter the odds. Hold your heads high as you step into this next phase, knowing that you are part of a legacy—a legacy of change-makers, artists, and dreamers.

I’ll leave you with this: Never underestimate the power of your journey. Your experiences, your voice, and your vision are unique, and the world needs what you have to offer. Lean into your passion, give back to your communities, and never stop believing in the extraordinary things you can achieve.

The world awaits what you will bring to the table, and I have no doubt it will be something truly remarkable.

Congratulations, Class of 2025! May your knives stay sharp, your dreams stay big, and your hearts stay full. Thank you.