LCI Student Spotlight Stories

For Kayla, a senior Baking and Pastry student from Gloster, Mississippi, food has always been a part of who she is.

For Jocelyn Bezar, a final-semester student in the Baking and Pastry program at the Louisiana Culinary Institute (LCI), the path to culinary school wasn’t something she always expected.

For Louisiana Culinary Institute student Michelle Bahlinger, the road to baking was anything but traditional. During the pandemic she discovered her true passion: baking.

Encouraged by her mother to pursue a career in culinary arts, Tatyana Baker enrolled at LCI and quickly discovered a passion for transforming ingredients into edible works of art.

Now in her third semester at LCI, Ashley is pursuing dual degrees in Baking and Pastry and the Savory Culinary programs, and her journey has already taken her far.

After spending 30 years in the dental field, the Baton Rouge native decided it was time for something new in retirement. Her choice? Enroll at Louisiana Culinary Institute.

For Zayne Mandujano, the path to the kitchen wasn't a straight line—but it was one he was always meant to take.

Cooking has always been more than just a hobby for Max Martinez—it's a passion that fuels her creativity and brings joy to those around her.

When Karl Howard was younger, he never really had an interest in cooking. With a background in theatre and athletics, Karl has always been an artistic leader. The opportunity to show his creative side led him to Louisiana Culinary Institute.