On this episode of “We Have Lived,” host Hassel Aviles sits down with pastry chef Felicia Mayden in Chicago. They discuss the differences between being a leader vs. manager, single parenthood as a chef, being Black in professional kitchens, and much more!

Pastry Chef Felicia Mayden discovered her love for the pastry arts early on as a child. She followed this passion to Chicago’s Kendall College where she received her Baking and Pastry and Hospitality management degrees. Mayden developed her skills at several kitchens throughout Chicago including The Betty and later becoming the Pastry Chef at Formento’s and The Bristol. She has been featured on Food Network’s Best Baker in America season 4 and also has a Masters degree in Organizational Leadership.

Now as a Chef instructor of Kendall College, Mayden presents a diverse menu of sweet treats including various laminated pastries, breads, cookies, bars, composed cakes and chocolate work and a wealth of industry experience. Chef Felicia’s drive to succeed in a competitive industry is fuelled by her desire to be a role model for her young son and other working moms.

To learn more about Not 9 to 5 resources including workplace mental health certification called CNECTed, visit https://not9to5.org/cnecting.

"We Have Lived" is an exclusive 14-episode podcast series recorded in sister cities Chicago, USA and Toronto, Canada produced by Not 9 to 5 with direction from Terms of Service Network.

Credits
Production: Not 9 to 5 Organization
Production partner: Terms of Service
Executive Producer & Host: Hassel Aviles
Creative Director: Justin Arnett-Graham
Video: Rick Hernandez
Sound & Music Marcus Drake