Striving + resilience yields thriving in a new career

June 16, 2026

We are so proud of Kanika Dukes Hazzard — and her journey deserves a spotlight.

On Dec. 18, Kanika graduated from our Culinary School in Milford. By January 5, she was already stepping into her new role as Child Nutrition Assistant Manager at Milford High School… and absolutely thriving.

Her journey is one of resilience, reinvention, and purpose. A former high school dropout who earned her GED, completed a Human Services degree at Delaware Tech, and became a first-generation college graduate — she’s proof that it’s never too late to chase what lights you up.

Kanika’s story started with a leap of faith. She left her job as a state social worker and case manager to follow a dream she’d carried for years. She came to The Culinary School with passion, confidence, real cooking experience, and a vision to grow her home-based business and become a personal chef.

“I put down cooking for a while, but I learned that broken wings still fly.”

Our 14-week Culinary School program, certified by the Delaware Department of Education, gave her 420 hours of hands-on training, chef led instruction, a paid internship, and the foundation she needed to soar. And she did.

As a mom, and a proud grandmother, Kanika appreciates the good hours, good benefits, and the chance to work a 10-month schedule while raising two young daughters. But if you know Kanika, you know she doesn’t slow down. “I’ll be off, but I’ll be catering,” she said. “It’s time to work on my vision. I’ll still be working.”

In her first months at Milford High School, she’s embraced the learning curve with enthusiasm. “I’m always excited to learn. The customer service part was already in me. I’m a people person; the students are guests.”

Her food service roots run deep: fast-food, long-term care dietary work, and years of social services. “I still learn something every day, but The Culinary School prepared me for this place.”

Cafeteria Manager Matt Silverman agrees — he’s grateful for the experience and energy she brings to the team.

Kanika credits Chef Tish [Chef Instructor] for pushing her to be her best. “Chef Tish definitely prepared me for this. Chef Tish don’t play.”

And Chef Tish’s take? “For her, the sky is the limit.”