DENVER — As Hispanic Heritage Month comes to a close, a new organization is hoping to help Latinos carve a new path.
Sabor Comunitario, an organization created by Sandra Ruiz Parrilla, has created a course to help Latinos elevate their dreams of working in the culinary world. It is based inside the Terra building at the Colorado State University (CSU) Spur campus in Denver, intentionally nestled between the Globeville and Elyria-Swansea neighborhoods.
"Globeville and Elyria-Swansea, these are neighborhoods that have been abandoned, ignored, abused for almost 50 years," Ruiz Parrilla said. "When they opened the kitchen at CSU Spur, I saw an opportunity for the neighborhood for our people, which we have 73% here are Hispanic, it was a great opportunity to do something to give back to the community, my community."
Ruiz Parrilla created a 32-week program for Latino students who lack the opportunity to attend what could be called a culinary school boot camp. The multi-week course gives students the tools they need to learn the art of cooking and build their own businesses.
"It's not just about cooking, but how to guide them to open their own businesses to have their own product, to launch their own product, they’re learning different things," Ruiz Parrilla said. "They don’t have to be employees all their lives, that they can have their own business, that everyone has opportunities here."
Marcelo Montoya, a participant in the course, has found his passion in cooking. In addition to everything this program has taught him, he's also been able to connect with a diverse group of individuals. The program is conducted in Spanish and invites Latino individuals from all ages and backgrounds.
"They brought so many different recipes and different cuisines," Montoya said. "So I’m definitely trying to pick more of their culture, see what I can learn from them."
Montoya's dream doesn't stop at any old kitchen: he hopes to work in a Michelin-star restaurant one day and maybe open his own nutrition shop.
"Aim high," he said confidently as he listed his goals. "Being in this class kind of elevated my leadership so I was able to help people out in developing their skills in culinary. "
Montoya's aspirations are a perfect example of what Ruiz Parrilla loves to see. She knows that plans for a better life can sometimes take a wrong turn.
"In these neighborhoods, we see our young people graduate and go to the streets because they can't afford to go to a college, and we want what's best for them," she said as she fought back tears. "We are capable of doing the same things as everyone else."
Ruiz Parrilla knows that this is more than a class for these students — it has the potential to change their lives, which is everything she could wish for.
"That's my American Dream, to see those changes, to see that I'm really doing a difference," she said.
The program is free for those who can enter. Registration for the next session will open next month. Sabor Comunitario welcomes people of all ages to apply.
