Foodlink celebrated its 9th graduating class of the Foodlink Career Fellowship in style on Sept. 25, hosting the event at its new Edible Education Center at the Foodlink Community Farm on Lexington Avenue.

On a beautiful fourth day of fall, the Fellowship celebrated the collective accomplishments of six Fellows: Nabria Brown, Hayden Herdklotz, Karina Martinez, CeAsia Owens, Shameka Rotan & Brenda Walker. Chef Marko Kelly of Shell Restaurant gave the event’s keynote address.

The Foodlink Career Fellowship is a yearlong workforce development program and culinary apprenticeship, designed to empower aspiring chefs with the skills they need to thrive in the regional food industry. The program includes hands-on training in the Foodlink Community Kitchen and Foodlink Community Café, as well as an externship at a local employer.

Foodlink will graduate its 10th class later this fall, and welcome in its 11th class soon.