LCI Student Spotlight Stories

Discover how Louisiana Culinary Institute student Joshua “Brodie” Vance found confidence, career direction, and hands-on chef training on his journey to becoming a professional chef.

Discover how LCI baking and pastry student Emily Debarbieris found her passion through hands-on training, chef mentorship, and real-world kitchen experience.

Meet Jacobian Taylor, a first-semester student from Memphis, Tennessee, who is already finding his footing and passion in the kitchens at the Louisiana Culinary Institute.

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.