OUR VISION
All communities have equitable access to occupation and life skills training.
OUR STORY
Culinary Concepts AB was established to make a lasting impact on individuals aspiring towards hospitality careers, especially those who may have been marginalized. Recognizing the limitations of the traditional culinary education system sought to create a more inclusive and empowering training model that focuses on teaching both life skills and occupational expertise. By fostering this holistic approach, Culinary Concepts AB aims to broaden the horizons of individuals who may have never envisioned a future in the culinary arts industry.
OUR VALUES
Our Mission is to empower people and build communities in the kitchen.
We pursue our mission with the following values:
UNITY
We believe in inclusiveness and celebrating our differences. We believe that teams and communities are stronger when they are diverse, equitable and inclusive.
COMMUNICATION
ADAPTABILITY
ACCOUNTABILITY
INNOVATION
INTEGRITY
WHO WE SERVE
Universities & Schools
Over
Students
Hospital Systems
Over
Restaurant & Hospitality Employer Partners
Communities
Families
Food Co-Ops
Local Farmers
MEET OUR AMAZING TEAM
Chef Antwon Brinson
Founder & CEO
Scott Hamler
Marketing Director
Diana Manzano
Executive Assistant
Ami Shimanek
Lead Culinary Instructor
Yolunda Harrell
Hospitality Instructor
Ingrid Berger
Cooking Class Instructor
Chinica Bowles
Alumni Instructor
Wilson McLean
Research and Development Coordinator
Celia Ho
Outreach Coordinator
Kori Price
Photography Specialist
Zach Keifer
Content Creator
SUPPORT OUR MISSION
We live by our “Reach One, Teach One” motto and appreciate your help in reaching more individuals and communities!
Partners & Sponsors
Capital One
Capital One sponsors our EEP Training Program, funding every student and enabling small businesses to strengthen their business ecosystem in the Richmond, VA, area. Working in close collaboration with CCAB, Hatch! Richmond and Bridging Virginia, Capital One’s generous sponsorship ensures entrepreneurs can come together to learn, grow, and build sustainable small businesses. Thanks to our partnership with Capital One, CCAB can continue to build community and empower entrepreneurs!
The City of Charlottesville
The City of Charlottesville has been a longtime supporter of CCAB and integral to delivering our Go Cook and Career Catalyst programs. The city not only provides funding for our program by covering the program costs of all city residents but is also instrumental in helping to identify students who may benefit from our programs. This collaborative partnership is instrumental in preparing students for careers in the culinary industry and beyond and promoting the development of a strong workforce in the City of Charlottesville
The County of Albemarle
The County of Albemarle partners with CCAB to foster workforce development and prepare county residents for careers in the culinary and hospitality world. The county provides full sponsorship for all residents who wish to attend our Go Cook program and also helps CCAB find potential students who would benefit from our programs. This ongoing support and collaboration has been integral to CCAB’s more significant impact on the lives of individuals and businesses in Albemarle County.
Albemarle County Regional Jails (ACRJ)
Albemarle County Regional Jails (ACRJ) partnered with CCAB to help improve the lives of those who are or have previously been incarcerated by investing in their educational growth. ACRJ provides CCAB with students and funding for both our Phoenix and Go Cook programs and ancillary support such as transportation and oversight. This enables our team to teach students valuable life and social skills that prepare them to re-enter the workforce and equip them with essential tools for their careers of choice.
Truist Bank
Truist Bank and CCAB’s collaborative relationship began with virtual cooking classes during the pandemic. For the past years, Truist has used its community investment fund to provide its clients and staff with access to many of our most popular cooking classes. Thanks to this ongoing partnership, Truist is able to leverage CCAB’s social