Hennepin Tech Culinary Arts Program Students, Faculty Awarded Honors by the American Culinary Federation

Brooklyn Park, January 22, 2024

The American Culinary Federation Minneapolis Chefs Chapter announced their annual awards of excellence at the 2024 awards banquet held at Hennepin Technical College. Hennepin Tech Chef Instructor, Tracy Figueroa was awarded the Educator of the year award, Student Sofia Fischetti was awarded the Student Chef of the Year award, and students Sofia Fischetti and Megan Melco were awarded the Toby Landgraf Foundation Scholarship.

The American Culinary Federation was founded in 1929 in New York, NY and is the largest and most prestigious chefs’ organization in America. The Toby Landgraf Foundation Scholarship is awarded to students from Minnesota attending UW-Stout and culinary students attending one of the Minnesota State two-year colleges.

“The American Culinary Federation is a group that is deeply devoted to professional development for its members, especially students,” said Denis Durnev, Vice President of the Minneapolis Chefs Chapter. “This event was not only an opportunity for the ACF to gather at Hennepin Tech, it was a chance for nearly forty students to gain first-hand experience in their profession,” Durnev continued. “The scholarships granted to our students will support the future of our industry. Tuition only goes so far! Funds like this let students buy industry tools like knives. They will use them for their entire career.”

When asked about being awarded the Educator of the year award Tracy Figueroa commented, “I was shocked. It really means a lot to me, as someone who grew up in an inner-city, to be able to teach students with the same experience. I am so proud.”

Most recently, Hennepin Tech Culinary Arts program students have delighted guests of Minnesota State Colleges and Universities and the Minneapolis Northwest Tourism Board, as well as catering multiple internal events for Hennepin Technical College and North Hennepin Community College.

Hennepin Tech offers nine awards and certifications in the Culinary Arts field at our Brooklyn Park Campus, including Baking & Pastry Entrepreneur, Culinary Manager, and Culinary & Food Truck Entrepreneur.

About Hennepin Technical College

Founded in 1972, Hennepin Technical College is the largest stand-alone technical college in Minnesota. With campuses in Brooklyn Park and Eden Prairie, the college offers degree and non-degree courses in over 40 programs in the skilled trades and high-demand career fields. Achieving a high job placement rate, Hennepin Tech prepares students for high-paying employment opportunities.