Jill Mielcarek
Marquette,Michigan
Summary
Dynamic culinary professional with extensive experience, specializing in recipe development and menu design. Proven ability to train kitchen staff and ensure food safety compliance. Passionate about fostering community, local food, and enhancing culinary skills.
Overview
30
30
years of professional experience
Work History
Soup Creator
Peace Pie Company
Marquette, MI
03.2024 - Current
- Develops and creates a wide variety of soups.
- Trains kitchen workers on culinary techniques.
- Assists in all aspects of food preparation.
Job Coach/Paraprofessional/STRIDE Facilitator
MARESA
Marquette, MI
01.2019 - Current
- Assists in a Transition classroom by helping young adults with cognitive disabilities with daily living skills (money & budgeting, meal planning, cooking, and shopping), community involvement (recreational opportunities, community services, and public transit assistance), and on-the-job training and career exploration. Facilitates a weekly job-readiness curriculum, which focuses on social skills development, resume writing, and interview preparation.
- Directs the production and sales of classroom-made wreaths and fire starters.
- Initiated installation of a school garden and oversees the school's spring plant sale.
- Participated in the Central UP 'Farm-to-School' Institute Training in June 2024 and 2025.
Chef
Zephyr Wine Bar
Marquette, MI
09.2017 - 08.2021
- Production of soups, salads, and "small-bites" menu items.
Instructional Aide
Marquette Area Public Schools
Marquette, MI
03.2015 - 12.2018
- Assisted students with special needs in a variety of classrooms at Cherry Creek Elementary School.
- Co-coordinator of the "Earthkeepers" Gardening Club, an after-school program for grades 3-5.
Owner
Huron Earth Deli
Marquette, MI
01.2007 - 01.2014
- Oversaw all facets of deli operations, including human resources, product procurement, menu development, food production, catering, marketing, and on-the-job training for MARESA students.
- ServSafe Certification.
Kitchen Manager
Not By Bread Alone
Green Bay, WI
01.2001 - 01.2004
- Managed all aspects of the cafe and bakery, including procurement of products, menu development, food production, and supervision of staff.
Sous chef
PlumpJack Inn
Olympic Valley, California
11.1998 - 04.2000
Line Chef
Ajax Tavern
Aspen, Colorado
11.1995 - 10.1998
Education
A.O.S. - Culinary Arts
Johnson & Wales University
Vail, Colorado06.1995
B.S. - Dietetics
Mount Mary College
Milwaukee, Wisconsin05.1989
Skills
- Recipe development and menu design
- Food safety compliance
- Culinary training and kitchen operations
- Cost control and budget management
Other
During my free time, I enjoy working in my garden and cooking for my friends and family. In the summer, I spend a lot of time on the beautiful beaches of Lake Superior. I also love to explore the splendid variety of hiking trails that Marquette has to offer.
Timeline
Soup Creator
Peace Pie Company
03.2024 - Current
Job Coach/Paraprofessional/STRIDE Facilitator
MARESA
01.2019 - Current
Chef
Zephyr Wine Bar
09.2017 - 08.2021
Instructional Aide
Marquette Area Public Schools
03.2015 - 12.2018
Owner
Huron Earth Deli
01.2007 - 01.2014
Kitchen Manager
Not By Bread Alone
01.2001 - 01.2004
Sous chef
PlumpJack Inn
11.1998 - 04.2000
Line Chef
Ajax Tavern
11.1995 - 10.1998
A.O.S. - Culinary Arts
Johnson & Wales University
B.S. - Dietetics
Mount Mary College