Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Certification
Affiliations
Additional Information
Timeline
Generic
MONICA D. SMITH

MONICA D. SMITH

GASTONIA,NC

Summary

With a profound passion for AI-Tech seamlessly blended with mastery in culinary arts, I present a rare synergy of technical acumen and sensory delight. As a distinguished chef, I've honed my skills to craft exceptional gastronomic experiences.


Complementing this, my expertise in high-end customer service ensures that each interaction is tailored, memorable, and exceeds expectations. Hiring me is not just adding an employee; it's integrating a visionary who understands the future of tech-driven hospitality and can elevate your brand to unparalleled heights. In a rapidly evolving world, my unique blend of skills bridges the gap between tradition and innovation, promising unmatched value to your team.

Overview

25
25
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Travel Chef

With ChefMonica, Llc.
04.2022 - Current

- Crafted gourmet meals from scratch, drawing from authentic recipes, ensuring repeat clientele.
- Led kitchen team training, emphasizing efficiency and performance during peak times.
- Prioritized food safety, meticulously preventing cross-contamination, especially catering to food allergies.
- Established a systematic mise en place for streamlined cooking processes.
- Adapted menus to accommodate dietary restrictions and allergies, tailoring dishes to individual tastes.
- Engaged directly with clients, gathering valuable feedback on culinary offerings and service standards.
- Pioneered dishes that became a hallmark, attracting new patrons to the corporation.
- Spearheaded menu conceptualization and strategic planning.
- Coached and guided newcomers on kitchen protocols, sanitation best practices, and advanced culinary techniques.
- Procured fresh, locally-sourced ingredients, enhancing dish quality while optimizing budgetary expenditures.

Foods & Nutrition CTE Teacher

Gaston County Schools
06.2016 - 01.2019

Expert Culinary Instructor with a Strong Customer Service Approach:

- Led two specialized culinary courses focusing on the intricate relationship between nutrition, health, and meal management.

- For Prep 1 (Foods I Fundamentals): Guided students in understanding the fundamental nutritional needs, emphasizing diet's role in overall well-being and integrating kitchen management best practices.

- Skillfully crafted lesson plans and enriched instructional materials, ensuring an engaging learning experience.

- Continuously monitored student progress, offering constructive feedback and actionable recommendations for improvement.

- Maintained up-to-date knowledge on culinary trends, curriculum advancements, and innovative teaching methodologies.

- For Prep 2 (Foods II Advanced): Delved into advanced culinary techniques, integrating technology into food preparation and nutrition concepts.

- Tailored teaching resources to create meaningful, progressive assignments, catering to diverse learning needs.

- Proactively trained students in SERV Safe, preparing them for professional credentialing in the culinary world.

TV/Stage Chef

Chef Monica® Blends, Inc.
04.2012 - 06.2022

Product & Manufacturer Developer with Customer-Centric Focus:

- Expertly developed products and collaborated with manufacturers, ensuring top-tier quality.

- Devoted advocate for the differently-abled community, Multiple Sclerosis awareness, and suicide prevention, emphasizing compassion and understanding.

- Strategically designed demonstration zones to captivate and engage potential customers, enhancing their experience.

- Cultivated transparent and authentic relationships with customers through informative and persuasive sales presentations.

- Represented the brand at trade shows, executive retreats, and outdoor events, promoting product awareness and fostering customer engagement.

- Delivered polished and compelling sales pitches, highlighting the unique benefits of products.

- Offered warm and responsive customer interactions, promptly addressing inquiries to ensure satisfaction.

- Stayed updated on current promotions and product features, ensuring accurate and timely information dissemination to clients.

Executive Chef

First United Methodist Church
01.2013 - 01.2015

- Directed culinary operations, catering to church and external events.
- Mentored kitchen staff, emphasizing top-tier culinary delivery.
- Maintained strict health standards, surpassing regulations.
- Addressed challenges ensuring customer satisfaction.
- Oversaw cost-effective financial management.
- Ensured quality dishes reflecting the church's reputation.

Central Production & Distribution Coordinator

Gaston County Schools
08.2005 - 06.2008

Skilled Operations and Inventory Specialist with a Strong Focus on Safety and Compliance:

- Conducted rigorous inspections of food and supplies,

- Efficiently tracked inventory movements using and maintaining accurate records.

- Strategically managed labor distribution and heavy-duty equipment usage, consistently achieving transportation, operations, and production targets.

- Prioritized and upheld a safe work environment, always in adherence to OSHA and relevant governmental regulations.

Independent Event Planner

Entertaining WithMonica, LLC
01.2003 - 01.2005
  • Elite Event Strategist for High-Profile Engagements:
    - Led celebrity golf tournaments and galas, emphasizing client satisfaction.
    - Secured sponsorships for the Boys and Girls Club, demonstrating relationship prowess.
    - Managed event logistics, aligning with client visions.
    - Partnered with diverse clients to create brand-aligned events.
    - Organized clear event timelines ensuring timely execution.
    - Collaborated with event staff for seamless coordination.
    - Provided transparent financial reports for stakeholder clarity.

Vice-President of Operations

JP Davis & Associates
01.1999 - 01.2004

Consultant & Trainer with a Focus on Corporate Excellence:

- Led integrated sales and marketing strategies to promote DEI initiatives and consultancy services.

- Streamlined daily office functions, introducing efficient procedures that fostered a more inclusive workspace.

- Collaboratively designed and refined DEI training modules, ensuring content relevance and impact.

- Proactively identified and resolved challenges related to production, workforce dynamics, and material sourcing, leveraging DEI principles.

- Conducted client-centric interactive training sessions, ensuring clarity and engagement.

Education

Bachelor of Science - Foods & Nutrition, Concentration in Food Systems

Appalachian State University
Boone, NC

Associate of Applied Science - Culinary Arts

Art Institute of Charlotte
Charlotte

Skills

  • Signature Dish Creation
  • Workflow Optimization
  • Business Management
  • Regulatory Compliance
  • Menu Development
  • Hospitality Service Expertise

Accomplishments

  • - Handpicked to craft and serve exclusive dishes for high-profile celebrity events.
    - Streamlined kitchen operations, ensuring safety and efficiency, while leading a dedicated Back-of-House team.
    - Successfully launched and marketed my signature Spice Blends.
    - Collaborated with Jack Daniel’s® Beverage Company, integrating Chef Monica® Blends into featured recipes.
    - Recognized as an Official Influencer at the Savour Culinary Festival 2021 and partnered with the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada.
    - Honored as the Guest Celebrity Chef at St. Jude’s Harvest Wine & Garden Festival, collaborating with luminaries like BET co-Founder and billionaire Shelia Johnson, TV One Anchor Roland Martin, and author Dr. Jacquie Hood-Martin.
    - Served as the Branding Chef for Food Lion for over a decade, representing the brand in national sponsorships and premier trade shows.

Certification

SERV Safe Certified, Former designated "CMP" Certified Meeting Planner, Certified Five Factor Consultant – Personality Model. ProWoman Network of Kentucky: Certified Diversity Trainer Certified in Women’s Issues

Affiliations

In Partnership with Holy Angels, Inc. a private, nonprofit 501(c)(3) corporation and sponsored ministry of the Sisters of Mercy South Central Community


Additional Information

  • Repeat Guest Chef w/local news outlets. Appearances included WBTV-CBS, QCLife, and NBC Charlotte Today live broadcasts.
  • Competed on 2 Food Network’s: Guy's Grocery Games and Cutthroat Kitchen
  • Oversaw Gaston County School Nutrition compliance with all regulatory standards and implemented safety processes, including HACCP. Managed inventory and equipment, and co-led a $5 million procurement initiative. Directed a 50+ member team across production, distribution, and vast multi-city warehouses. Emphasized staff development and training, demonstrating comprehensive operations expertise.

Timeline

Travel Chef

With ChefMonica, Llc.
04.2022 - Current

Foods & Nutrition CTE Teacher

Gaston County Schools
06.2016 - 01.2019

Executive Chef

First United Methodist Church
01.2013 - 01.2015

TV/Stage Chef

Chef Monica® Blends, Inc.
04.2012 - 06.2022

Central Production & Distribution Coordinator

Gaston County Schools
08.2005 - 06.2008

Independent Event Planner

Entertaining WithMonica, LLC
01.2003 - 01.2005

Vice-President of Operations

JP Davis & Associates
01.1999 - 01.2004

Bachelor of Science - Foods & Nutrition, Concentration in Food Systems

Appalachian State University

Associate of Applied Science - Culinary Arts

Art Institute of Charlotte
MONICA D. SMITH