Work Preference
Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Accomplishments
Work Availability
Portfolio
Quote
Interests
Additional Information
Timeline
Generic
Kawanda Degruy
Open To Work
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Kawanda Degruy

Lafayette,LA

Work Preference

Job Search Status

Open to work
Desired start date: Immediately

Desired Job Title

Kitchen ManagerCafeteria TechnicianDietary AideBakery Worker

Work Type

Full Time

Location Preference

On-Site
Location: Lafayette, LALafayette, La
Open to relocation: Yes

Important To Me

Career advancementPersonal development programsWork-life balanceHealthcare benefitsCompany CultureFlexible work hours401k matchTeam Building / Company RetreatsPaid time offPaid sick leave

Summary

Driven food service and hospitality professional with leadership experience in kitchen operations and food service management. Servsafe Certified and pursuing an Associate of Occupational Studies in Pastry Arts. Expertise in food safety compliance, inventory management, meal preparation, and staff supervision to deliver exceptional dining experiences.

Overview

1
1
Certification
7
7
years of professional experience

Work History

Kitchen Manager

Sla Management
Maitland, Florida
08.2023 - 10.2025
  • Oversaw daily operations of the kitchen including meal preparation, cooking methods, portion sizes and plate presentation.
  • Supervised food production processes ensuring high quality standards were met throughout each stage of preparation.
  • Oversaw food preparation to ensure quality and consistency.
  • Trained kitchen staff on food safety and preparation techniques.
  • Trained new kitchen staff on proper food handling techniques and safety regulations.
  • Ensured compliance with health regulations and safety standards.
  • Monitored sanitation practices to ensure that all employees adhere to health department regulations.
  • Implemented cost-control measures to enhance kitchen operations and minimize expenses.
  • Managed inventory of kitchen supplies and equipment to ensure availability and reduce waste.
  • Ordered ingredients and supplies to maintain adequate inventory levels for the kitchen.
  • Coordinated with suppliers to ensure timely delivery of high-quality ingredients supporting menu execution.
  • Worked with vendors to establish strong relationships and maintain proper inventory supplies.
  • Promoted an atmosphere of teamwork among kitchen staff members by fostering open communication between team members.
  • Motivated kitchen staff by establishing goals to increase productivity and quality.
  • Evaluated employee performance through observation of work habits, attitude toward customers and adherence to company policies.
  • Resolved customer complaints in a timely manner while maintaining a positive attitude towards guests at all times.
  • Inspected equipment regularly to identify necessary repairs or replacements.

Cafeteria Technician

Sla Management
Maitland, Florida
01.2023 - 05.2023
  • Maintained cleanliness and organization of cafeteria equipment and work areas.
  • Ensured compliance with health and safety regulations in food preparation areas.
  • Collaborated with team members to streamline food service workflows.
  • Monitored food quality and freshness during preparation and serving times.
  • Prepared and served meals according to menu items and recipes, while adhering to portion control guidelines.
  • Adhered to safe food handling procedures at all times, including wearing gloves when preparing meals or handling silverware.

Dietary Aide

Courtyard Manor Nursing Home
Lafayette, La
01.2019 - 05.2019
  • Set up and prepared cooking supplies and workstations during opening and closing to maximize productivity.
  • Cleared tables and removed dishes, trays, and utensils from dining room to dishwashing area.
  • Maintained strict levels of cleanliness for tables, floors, and prep areas.
  • Arranged tray and or table settings with proper tableware, condiments, and tray card.

Education

Associate of Occupational Studies - Pastry Arts Associate

Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts
Bolder Colorado
12-2026

Skills

  • Kitchen operations: workflow coordination and prep management
  • Food Safety: Sanitation, temperature control,and compliance
  • Quality Assurance: Product consistency and standards
  • Inventory and ordering: stock control and vendor coordination
  • Cost control: waste reduction and food cost awareness
  • Team Leadership: training, supervision, and staff development
  • Communication: clear verbal and written directions
  • Problem solving: quick decisions and issue resolution
  • Customer service: guest satisfaction and service support

Certification

  • Servsafe

Accomplishments

  • President's list Winter quarter 2026 gpa 4.07
  • President's list Fall quarter 2025 gpa 4.08
  • President's list Q4 gpa 4.08

Work Availability

monday
tuesday
wednesday
thursday
friday
saturday
sunday
morning
afternoon
evening
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Portfolio

FEATURED
Featured Picture
Wedding Cake
Featured Picture
Heart shape sweet sixteen birthday cake
Featured Picture
Hello kitty birthday cake
Featured Picture
Birthday cake
Featured Picture
Mirror glaze cake

Quote

Success is not final; failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts.
Winston S. Churchill

Interests

I am very passionate about baking and learning new tips and tricks to baking

I'm interested in cooking, the different styles of cooking, and I love getting new recipes to try out

Additional Information

I have a strong background in the medical field. I have 20+ years as a Certified Nursing Assistant. I enjoy putting a smile on other peoples faces and bringing joy and happiness to others lives, I got to do this as a nurse's aide. Now that I have started baking I realize that I can also bring happiness and joy to people with the desserts that I bake. Baking is a passion of mine that I got into through creating different desserts for my kids. I am very dedicated to my craft, and I'm committed to putting 110% into it. I strive for the best in everything that I do and I won't except anything less from myself, and I will apply that same commitment and dedication to any job position I hold.

Timeline

Kitchen Manager

Sla Management
08.2023 - 10.2025

Cafeteria Technician

Sla Management
01.2023 - 05.2023

Dietary Aide

Courtyard Manor Nursing Home
01.2019 - 05.2019

Associate of Occupational Studies - Pastry Arts Associate

Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts
Kawanda Degruy