At the Carrier Educational Center, Culinary Arts students are discovering that a love of cooking can grow into a career, especially during Women’s History Month, which recognizes the impact of women across all fields, including the skilled trades.
For juniors Annabelle McMurray of Lake Shore and Ava Meyer of Eden, their journeys into the kitchen started long before they stepped into the classroom, rooted in family traditions and memories that still inspire them today.
“I just really like to cook,” Annabelle said. “I thought this was an opportunity I could take.”
That interest traces back to time spent with her grandmother, baking cookies together before church. Those simple moments sparked a passion that has followed her into the Culinary Arts program at Carrier, where she is now learning professional techniques, including proper knife skills, soup preparation, and teamwork in the kitchen.
Ava shares a similar story. Inspired by both her father’s cooking and her grandmother’s baking, she recalls making pies for church fundraisers, especially rhubarb, her grandfather’s favorite.
“She loved helping out the community,” Ava said. “That’s something that always stuck with me.”
Under the guidance of instructor Sandy Kaleta and consultant teacher Nicole Kaleta, students gain hands-on experience that goes far beyond what they might encounter in a traditional classroom. From learning foundational skills to exploring new culinary techniques, the program encourages students to step outside their comfort zones, an important part of building confidence in any trade.
As Women’s History Month highlights the achievements of women past and present, programs like Culinary Arts also support the next generation. While the culinary industry has historically been male-dominated in leadership roles, students like Annabelle and Ava are helping to change that narrative.
“You don’t really see a lot of women leading in professional kitchens,” Annabelle said. “But you can.”
Both students now see culinary arts as part of their future. Annabelle hopes to become a chef, while Ava is drawn to baking, with dreams of one day working as a pastry chef and possibly owning her own shop.
“I love decorating cakes,” Ava said. “It’s very artistic.”
Further along in their journey, the Career & Technical Education programs at Erie 2-Chautauqua-Cattaraugus BOCES provide students with a clear pathway from classroom learning to real-world careers. Through hands-on instruction, industry-relevant skills, and supportive teaching, students can explore their interests while preparing for college or the workforce.
“I think the biggest thing is that you can branch out,” Ava said. “You can learn things you never thought you’d be into. Before this, I didn’t really know what I wanted to do, even for college. Being here gives you a taste of what it could be like.”
As more students explore careers in the trades, both Annabelle and Ava hope others, especially young women, will consider taking that first step.
“If it’s something you’re interested in, just give it a shot,” Annabelle said. “You might enjoy it and meet new friends.”
