Johannah Evans Brings Passion to Scholarship Event

Culinary Arts major Johannah Evans '28 achieved a milestone: being recommended by Johnson & Wales University faculty to speak at a Providence Epicurean Scholarship Society dinner, held on June 22, 2026.  At the dinner, students, including Evans, worked alongside guest chef Shi Mei ’10, owner of Boston’s Lenox Sophia, to create an evening that celebrated the impact of philanthropy across JWU. Guests included members of the Board of Trustees and donors who support scholarships and other areas of the university.   Evans, a scholarship recipient, was suggested as a student speaker by TJ Delle Donne, assistant dean of the College of Food Innovation and Technology, as someone who exemplifies the impact that scholarships can have on motivated, talented students.   For Evans, the dinner represented her growth as a JWU student and a chance to share how the scholarship has shaped her educational journey.  She did not take the opportunity lightly.    “I was so shocked, I kept checking the email. I didn't even know it was something I was being considered for! I was beyond grateful,” Evans says. “There’s something really special about working these events and being a part of it.”  While being selected as the student speaker was a surprise, Evan’s passion for culinary arts and commitment to her education have been in the making for years.      Image here    A Continuing Lifelong Connection to Culinary Through JWU  Although Evans is only going into her third year of culinary studies at JWU, her experience in the kitchen began at a young age. Born and raised in Bridgewater, Massachusetts, she grew up in a family that loved to cook.   “It's always been a huge part of my life,” she stated. “My entire family cooks, so it was something that I grew up with and have always enjoyed doing. I found a passion for it that I didn't really find in anything else, and it has always given me a lot of happy memories. I want to do that for other people and learn as much as I can about culinary.”  The early connection that Evans found with food eventually led her to JWU, where she continues to develop both catering and culinary skills while gaining a clearer sense of her professional direction.     How Studying Culinary Arts at JWU Opens New Opportunities  One of the most influential experiences in Evans’ academic journey so far was her sophomore year Banquets and Catering course with Chef Daniel Bazzinotti, which introduced her to large-scale food production and event execution.    “It opened my eyes to a lot of the event world,” Evans shared. “He is definitely a chef that I will be forever grateful for. I went into banquets and catering not knowing what to expect, and he helped me with that.”   As someone who has a pork allergy in a class that features a wide range of meat-based dishes, Evans initially expected the course to be both challenging and difficult to navigate.    “Even though it's such a meat-heavy class, and I have a pork allergy, it was so amazing to learn,” she noted. “Even though I couldn't eat it, it was very insightful, and it really strengthened me as a chef.”   The course challenged her to think beyond just individual dishes, and to instead focus on execution, timing and coordination equally important elements.  “Chef Bazzinotti always pushed me as a chef to be creative and always actively learning,” Evans shared. "He made sure we were invested in what we were learning and were always asking questions.”    Image here    Evans’ experience has continued to grow throughout working with CFIT Operations, which manages day-to-day logistics, setup and safety for the college, on the Harborside Campus. Before she began her sophomore year and started working with the operations team, she was unsure of what area of culinary she wanted to focus on. Now, she has experienced different events, along with working in the kitchen cooking or serving and bringing dishes to tables. For Evans, getting to work both sides of an event really opened her eyes to how much she enjoys corporate dining and large-scale events.   “Being there for people's special moments is really important to me,” she noted. “Whether it’s weddings, anniversaries or other celebrations, food brings people together, and there's nothing like sharing a good meal with people you love. I want to be able to share my craft and be part of those memories for people.”     The Long-Lasting Impact of Scholarships at JWU  For Evans, being selected as the student speaker is about much more than standing on stage. It’s about how her scholarship helps make her education possible. The support not only eases financial stress, but also allows her to not have to worry about the costs for the next two years. It gives her the opportunity to fully invest in her education and how her degree can positively impact both her future and others.   “It gave me a bit more ease of mind,” Evans noted. “I don't have to worry as much about finding a second job or how I'm going to pay for school.”  The Donor-funded scholarship allows Evans to fully engage in her culinary education and take advantage of the opportunities in and outside the classroom.   “It’s allowed me to focus on my learning and bring my best self to class, and I'm so grateful for it.”    Reflecting on the Epicurean Scholarship Society Event   Following the event, Evan’s reflected on the excitement of getting to speak to everyone as well as the experience of working alongside other chefs, staff and guests throughout the evening.   “Giving the speech was exciting and a little nerve-racking, but it felt really rewarding to be able to share my story,” she said. “My favorite part of the evening was working the event and interacting with the guests; I really enjoyed being part of their experience.”  Guests were served a multi course meal which featured pea custard, coconut curry, an intermezzo, dry-aged duck, and panna cotta, highlighting the level of detail and effort that went into the event.  For Evans, the evening meant so much more than just a speaking opportunity. In addition to serving guests and assisting with event preparation, she contributed to an event that supports students with financial need while gaining valuable experience in the industry she hopes to enter after graduation.   Looking ahead, Evans’ biggest piece of advice she could give to other students would be to take advantage of what opportunities JWU can offer and build connections.   “Put yourself out there as much as you can. You never know who you're going to meet or how they might impact your future.”