Jalen A. Washington
Tampa,FL
Summary
Motivated high school senior and aspiring culinary professional looking for a part-time or entry-level kitchen position to continue developing skills in food preparation, kitchen operations, and event catering. Brings four years of independent catering experience, private meal prep services, and formal culinary training through a specialized high school magnet program.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
Work History
Back of House Team Member
Chick-fil-A (Westshore Mall Food Court)
Tampa, FL
05.2025 - Current
- Prepare ingredients, assemble food items, and maintain cleanliness and safety standards
- Operate grills, fryers, and other kitchen equipment in a high-volume environment
- Assist with inventory management, opening/closing duties, and team coordination
- Develop efficiency and attention to detail in a fast-paced food service setting
Freelance Caterer & Personal Meal Prep
Tampa, FL
01.2019 - Current
- Independently plan and execute full-service catering for private events, including menu creation, ingredient sourcing, cooking, serving, and cleanup
- Catered birthday parties, reunions, and community events with guest counts ranging from 10–50+
- Provide weekly and custom-prepared meals for individuals and families since 2023, focusing on client preferences, dietary needs, and balanced nutrition
- Maintain food safety standards, portion control, and professional presentation in all services
- Responsible for all organization, customer communication, and time management
Education
High School - Culinary Arts
Thomas Jefferson High School
Tampa, FL05.2026
Skills
- Menu Development & Meal Planning
- Knife Skills & Culinary Techniques
- Food Safety & Sanitation Practices
- Time Management & Organization
- Kitchen Equipment Operation
- Independent Event Setup & Customer Service
- Cleaning procedures
- Sanitation practices
- Waste reduction
- Cooking techniques
- Food preparation
- Workstation setup
Timeline
Back of House Team Member
Chick-fil-A (Westshore Mall Food Court)
05.2025 - Current
Freelance Caterer & Personal Meal Prep
01.2019 - Current
High School - Culinary Arts
Thomas Jefferson High School