Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Timeline
Generic

AUTUMN SIMMONS

Detroit,MI

Summary

Culinary professional with a foundation in American pastry kitchen operations, as well as experience in recipe development and event coordination. I am now seeking editorial training to explore the intersections of food, memory, migration, and placemaking—particularly through writing that honors ancestral knowledge and regional identity.

Overview

4
4
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Legacy Network Advisee

James Beard Foundation
09.2024 - Current
  • Collaborated with James Beard-nominated chefs to refine recipe development skills by creating original American pastry recipes.
  • Strengthened writing and baking skills by testing and editing recipes contributed by America's Test Kitchen.
  • Launched a food writing blog, currently in development, under the guidance of a James Beard-awarded media professionals.

Chef De Cuisine

Good Cakes and Bakes
01.2023 - 08.2024
  • Optimized kitchen workflow by delegating tasks amongst 10 team members according to individual strengths, resulting in faster ticket times during peak hours.
  • Maintained high levels of sanitation and cleanliness, adhering to strict health code regulations and ensuring a safe working environment.
  • Ensured proper storage of perishable items according to HACCP guidelines, minimizing risks associated with foodborne illness outbreaks or spoilage costs.
  • Participated in regular menu tastings with ownership and management to evaluate dishes for flavor balance, presentation, and ingredient quality.

Event/Wholesale Account Manager

Good Cakes And Bakes
08.2022 - 08.2024
  • Cultivated relationships with local food vendors and suppliers, securing seven new wholesale accounts that boosted brand exposure in the Metro Detroit area.
  • Managed event logistics for high-volume, local, and out-of-state vendor-driven events, including the NFL Draft (2024), Vegandale Chicago (2023-2024), Plantopia Chicago (2023), Detroit and Ferndale Pride (2023-2024), and VegFest Detroit (2023-2024).
  • Delegated and oversaw responsibilities for a team of ten event planning staff members to ensure the successful and timely execution of event logistics and run-of-show.
  • Oversaw the contracting process, menu development, ingredient supply contracts with local food vendors, delivery schedules, and overall execution for events.

Assistant Baker

Good Cakes and Bakes
10.2021 - 08.2022
  • Contributed to daily bakery production by carefully measuring ingredients, mixing doughs, and preparing batters—gaining hands-on experience in precision, timing, and consistency.
  • Supported custom order fulfillment and inventory tracking, reinforcing my understanding of kitchen organization, time management, and quality assurance.
  • Collaborated with front-of-house staff to maintain efficient service flow and strengthen communication between kitchen and customer experience.

Education

Bachelor of Arts - Sociology & Anthropology

Spelman College
Atlanta, GA
05.2020

Continuing Education - Hospitality Business Management

Hospitality Training Institute of Michigan

Skills

  • Recipe development and standardization
  • ServSafe and HACCP
  • Culinary expertise
  • Google Workspace
  • Microsoft Office

Certification

● ServSafe Alcohol Certification (2024-2027)
● ServSafe Manager Certification (2022-2027) (2024-2029)

Timeline

Legacy Network Advisee

James Beard Foundation
09.2024 - Current

Chef De Cuisine

Good Cakes and Bakes
01.2023 - 08.2024

Event/Wholesale Account Manager

Good Cakes And Bakes
08.2022 - 08.2024

Assistant Baker

Good Cakes and Bakes
10.2021 - 08.2022

Continuing Education - Hospitality Business Management

Hospitality Training Institute of Michigan

Bachelor of Arts - Sociology & Anthropology

Spelman College

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