WHEREAS, Joy Parham-Thomas studied at Indiana University of Pennsylvania, earning both an Associate’s degree in Culinary Arts and a Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality and Tourism management; and
WHEREAS, Joy has worked in renowned restaurants including Marco Island Mariott Resort and Spa in Florida with Executive Chef Mark Quitney, Brule Catering Company in Philadelphia with James Beard award-winning Chef Jean-Marie Lacroix, the Kevin Parker Company and as a consultant assisting small restaurants in Philadelphia; and
WHEREAS, A seasoned competitor on Fox and Food Network shows, Joy appeared on Season 12 of the nationally acclaimed series “Hell’s Kitchen” in 2014, where her performance earned her a top 5 finish in a field of 20 talented culinary experts; and
WHEREAS, Currently, Joy works as a chef and entrepreneur, including founding Urban Country Culinary Concepts, and as Culinary and Hospitality Instructor at the Community College of Philadelphia, where she teaches and writes curriculum for other culinary programs; and
WHEREAS, As the resident chef for the Free Brunch Program in Philadelphia, and through working with the 215 People’s Alliance and The People’s Kitchen, Joy works to dismantle the systemic barriers to food by engaging residents in Southwest Philadelphia with free food distributions, free brunch events, and educational workshops to foster community resilience and empowerment; and
WHEREAS, Working with Cooks Who Care, Joy is dedicated to working towards mental health advocacy in the food industry and championing the well-being of food and hospitality industry professionals; Joy’s career blends her commitment to culinary excellence, food justice and access, and resources for the food industry workforce; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That Council does hereby recognize and honor Joy Parham-Thomas for her impactful contributions to a thriving Black food culture in Philadelphia as a chef, culinary educator, and advocate for food justice.
FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Joy Parham-Thomas, further evidencing the sincere respect of this legislative body.
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