Chaya Pennington

What makes Chaya Wildly Capable?

Chaya is an amazing woman and instructor at Metro Tech. She has taken the culinary program to the next level and entered Douglass High School to offer more opportunities to the students who are less fortunate. She is an original Eastside, born and raised. If you know anything about the Eastside then you know we take pride in our community and want to see it flourish.” BRANDI JONES 

What makes you feel proud? 

Seeing the men my sons are becoming, growing my culinary arts program, mentoring future chefs, and my family. As a chef, educator, and restaurateur I have the privilege of living, working, and owning a business all in the same zip code and in the community that I grew up in. 

What keeps you up at night? 

Reading cookbooks and research on fermentation and ideating on what I want to do next to grow my program. 

Who is the biggest influence in your life? Why? 

Definitely my mom. She is my biggest cheerleader, best secret keeper, and best friend. She has instilled the values of being a good friend, traveler, and being in service to others and community. 

What’s been the biggest obstacle in your life so far? 

One of the biggest obstacles was healing and growing into myself after being in an abusive relationship for more than 20 years. It was pivotal, learning how to love myself fully and support my kids during this transition, all while starting my dream job. 

What’s the single biggest problem you’d like to solve in your community? 

To try to help overcome the effect COVID had on the youth in my community through culinary arts exploration and creating opportunities for them to learn skills to be more successfully employed. 

One year from today, how do you hope you’re different? 

I am most hopeful for growth in my spiritual and yoga practice and how I transition into living alone for the first time in 22 years. I hope to create more food and travel experiences.