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What happens when you combine a heaping scoop of faith, a handful of hard work, a love for global cuisine and a dash of help from neighbors and friends? For Jeanne, that’s a recipe for success.
She’s a recent graduate from World Relief Western Washington’s Culinary Careers program. Through the program, participants learn about the U.S. food industry, safety and hygiene standards, new culinary skills and more so they can confidently pursue careers in food and share their unique contributions to global cuisine with their local communities. It’s all part of Western Washington’s resiliency programming, which comes alongside refugees and other immigrants on their long-term journey towards belonging.
From Refugee to Aspiring Restaurateur
Jeanne first connected with World Relief when she was resettled in the U.S. in 2013. After fleeing atrocities in her home country, Rwanda, in 1994, she lived in DR Congo for nearly two decades. A single mom to five children, she worried about their futures — until the door opened for them to rebuild their lives in Washington state.
Jeanne was anxious on the way to the U.S. She didn’t speak any English. How would she know where to go or who to talk to? Little did she know, a surprise was waiting for them at the airport: A French-speaking World Relief staff member. Despite the real challenges of rebuilding in a foreign land, she laughed remembering how World Relief volunteers and staff walked alongside her family in those early days: “They helped us with a lot!”
Now, 12 years later, Jeanne speaks fluent English, her children are grown and she’s walking alongside others as a social worker at Mother Africa, a nonprofit in Kent, Washington, serving African refugee and immigrant women. But she has another dream — she wants to open her own restaurant.
Global Cuisine, Local Impact
“For me, cooking is not just feeding people,” Jeanne shared, “It’s showing love and care. Food is my way to be creative and give joy to others.” She’s especially known for her ibishyimbo (beans), mandaz (beignets) and sambusa (savory, filled pastries) — flavorful staples of Rwandan cuisine. “Everywhere I cook, they love my beans,” she said.
Thankfully, because of the support of generous private donors who fund the Culinary Careers program, her dream is becoming a reality. Shortly after completing the program, Jeanne launched a catering company, Mapassa Catering, LLC. She uses World Relief’s commercial kitchen to prepare delicious global dishes and is already catering events of up to 300 people. “Cooking felt natural, like a gift. And with the World Relief program, I finally turned that dream into a business,” Jeanne said.
Even for an exceptional cook, starting a food business is no small feat. Rooted in a caring and supportive community, Culinary Careers provides the right experience and connections. It’s a place where aspiring entrepreneurs like Jeanne can build confidence and move toward their dreams.
Jeanne’s Recipe for Success
Jeanne has worked hard, juggling culinary courses, business classes and now her own small business alongside her full-time job. Her path hasn’t been easy, but she trusts God with her future, leaning on verses like Isaiah 41:10: “Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
“With faith and hard work,” Jeanne said, “anything is possible.”
Today, as refugee and immigrant families across the U.S. face growing uncertainty from shifting policies and dwindling resources, resiliency programs like Culinary Careers — and stories like Jeanne’s — shine as beacons of hope. They show what’s possible when we commit to walking alongside people on the long journey towards belonging. Because of the generosity of people just like you, people like Jeanne can depend on World Relief to be there when they arrive, as they rebuild and as they pursue their dreams, no matter the changing tides.
Monthly giving ensures we can walk with refugees like Jeanne through each stage of their journey toward belonging. Will you give your first monthly gift today?
Kelly Hill is a Content Manager at World Relief. She previously served as Volunteer Services Manager at World Relief Triad in North Carolina. With a background in International and Intercultural Communication, she is passionate about the power of story to connect people of diverse experiences.