Pathways Kitchen: Transforming Lives One Meal at a Time

Pathways Kitchen: Culinary Training, Community Impact, and a Mission-Aligned Partnership with the Sullivan Foundation

When Rokeisha Bryant made her way to the Super Bowl recently, she wasn’t just celebrating football’s biggest event, she was celebrating a life-changing honor. Selected by the Tennessee Titans in December, 2024 as their NFL Inspire Change Changemaker, Bryant was recognized for her groundbreaking work with Pathways Kitchen, a nonprofit social enterprise dedicated to empowering young people through culinary training and career development.

What started as a small initiative in Nashville to provide hands-on training for justice involved youth has since evolved into an enterprise that has not only captured the attention of the NFL but also found a new partner in the Algernon Sydney Sullivan Foundation. The Foundation has chosen Pathways Kitchen to cater its upcoming event in Nashville, further solidifying its commitment to supporting impactful social enterprises.

A Mission Rooted in Service and Opportunity

Pathways Kitchen was born out of Bryant’s extensive background in youth development and social services. Having worked for over 15 years in foster care and juvenile justice programs, Bryant saw firsthand the barriers that young people faced when trying to build a future. Whether they were aging out of foster care or exiting the juvenile detention system, these young individuals often lacked the skills, resources, and opportunities necessary to achieve stability.

“I wanted to create something that was not just about giving them a job, but about giving them a future,” Bryant said. “Pathways Kitchen is a program designed to provide more than culinary training, it’s about leadership, accountability, and giving young people a sense of ownership over their lives.”

Initially launched under the umbrella of a national organization, Bryant and her team worked tirelessly to bring the concept of a culinary-focused workforce development program to life. However, as the program grew, it became evident that a traditional restaurant model wasn’t the right fit for the Nashville market. Instead of a standalone restaurant, Pathways Kitchen pivoted to focus on catering, workforce development, and community partnerships.

“We found that catering gave us flexibility,” Bryant explained. “It allowed us to meet the needs of our young people while also creating a sustainable revenue model that supports their development.”

Creating Career Pathways Through Culinary Arts

Pathways Kitchen operates with a clear mission: to provide hands-on culinary training to young people, many of whom come from marginalized backgrounds. Participants learn everything from basic knife skills to food safety, while also developing essential life skills such as teamwork, communication, and financial literacy. The program is structured around four distinct paths:

• Path One: Introduction to culinary arts, where participants learn foundational cooking techniques, food safety, and kitchen operations.
• Path Two: Advanced skills training, including event catering, customer service, and leadership development.
• Path Three: Workforce readiness, pairing students with mentors and industry professionals while providing paid work experience.
• Path Four: Transition support, helping graduates secure long-term employment or pursue further education in culinary or hospitality management.

Bryant is particularly proud of the success stories that have emerged from Pathways Kitchen. One such example is Cameron Carver, who first joined the program as a high school student and is now a full-time sous chef in a fine-dining restaurant. Carver also serves as a voting board member of Pathways Kitchen, helping shape the future of the organization.

“Our young people aren’t just employees,” Bryant said. “They’re leaders in the making.”

A Growing Reputation in Nashville and Beyond

Pathways Kitchen’s impact extends beyond the classroom and into the broader Nashville community. Through strategic partnerships, the organization has provided catering services for major clients, including the Tennessee Titans, the NHL’s Nashville Predators, and the annual Tight End University summit, where top NFL players, including Travis Kelce and George Kittle, train together.

This past December, the Tennessee Titans formally recognized Pathways Kitchen’s impact by selecting Bryant as their Inspire Change Changemaker, an award given to individuals and organizations driving social justice and economic empowerment. The recognition not only came with a trip to the Super Bowl but also increased visibility for Pathways Kitchen and its mission.

The Sullivan Foundation Partnership

In a serendipitous turn, The Sullivan Foundation was planning an event in the Nashville area to celebrate its 100-year anniversary with Vanderbilt’s Peabody College. Seeing the alignment between the two organizations’ missions, Courtney Carlton, Alumni Engagement Director of The Sullivan Foundation, recommended Pathways Kitchen as the catering provider for the Foundation’s upcoming event.

This partnership underscores the Foundation’s dedication to supporting innovative service initiatives that not only address immediate needs but also create sustainable solutions.

Carlton echoed this sentiment: “When we learned about Pathways Kitchen, we knew this was the kind of organization we wanted to support. Their work represents everything The Sullivan Foundation stands for — service, leadership, and creating opportunities for those who need them most.”

Looking to the Future

With its rebrand complete and its catering operations expanding, Pathways Kitchen is poised for continued growth. The next phase includes expanding its training program to reach young people in juvenile detention centers, ensuring they have a structured support system upon release.

“Our goal is to meet young people where they are and provide them with a clear path forward,” Bryant said. “We want to show them that success is possible, no matter where they start.”

Additionally, the organization is looking to secure a permanent kitchen space that will allow for increased capacity and greater program reach. While the search for a brick-and-mortar restaurant has been put on hold, Bryant envisions a network of community kitchens across Nashville that will allow students to train closer to their own neighborhoods.

Meanwhile, The Sullivan Foundation’s partnership with Pathways Kitchen marks just the beginning of what could be a long-term collaboration. As the Foundation continues its mission of supporting changemakers, it remains committed to uplifting social enterprises like Pathways Kitchen.

“Service isn’t just about giving,” said Steve McDavid, president of The Sullivan Foundation. “It’s about investing in people and providing them with the tools to succeed. Pathways Kitchen embodies that philosophy, and we’re honored to support their work.”

Conclusion

The story of Pathways Kitchen is one of resilience, innovation, and commitment to community empowerment. From humble beginnings to Super Bowl recognition, Rokeisha Bryant and her team have demonstrated what’s possible when passion meets purpose. As Pathways Kitchen continues to grow, its partnership with The Sullivan Foundation will ensure that its impact reaches even further, transforming lives one meal at a time.