Your Choice, Your Voice.
Chef Jenise shares the power of school meals and reflects on her journey from Trenton student to School Executive Chef, highlighting the initiatives and programs she’s implemented to make sure her students enjoy lunch every day.
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From general worker to unit leader to manager of both junior high and high school operations, Chef Jenise climbed the ladder through hard work and determination. She started by managing just five team members and eventually grew her leadership to oversee 18. Along the way, she found herself supervising the very cafeteria staff who had once served her as a student in the Trenton District! In addition to school year meals, Jenise was deeply involved in the district’s summer meal programs for nine consecutive summers, ensuring that nutritious breakfasts and lunches reached every child across parks and day camps. In every role she held, Jenise implemented efficient, timely processes that made sure nearly 11,000 students were fed seamlessly each day.
In 2009, when Aramark entered the Trenton School District, Jenise embraced the new leadership. Asked to explain her decade-old systems, she meticulously sketched out every process she had ever developed which included everything from order sheets to production sheets and even her staff scheduling plans. Jenise’s understanding of the cafeteria line she gained through her management roles and combined with the business instincts she’d cultivated during her early days in the bodega, led to her creation of systems that impressed Aramark. As a result, she was quickly promoted to Production Manager. From there she moved up to Assistant Director, a role that reignited her passion for the culinary world. After some persuading by her cafeteria staff, Jenise, inspired by Ms. Sally’s voice in her head, “It gets greater later”, enrolled in Mercer County’s culinary program. Already a seasoned food service leader, she excelled in the curriculum, eventually taking on the role of Chef Manager and leading a team of over 130 people across the district. Even while managing such a large team, where she even worked alongside her mother, Jenise continued to run her own event planning business on the side.
Born and raised in Trenton, New Jersey, Chef Jenise is a proud graduate of Trenton Public Schools where she now serves as Executive Chef, bringing her journey full circle. Although she never envisioned a culinary path, this journey began in her teenage years working at her local bodega, where the store owner’s wife introduced her to the art of cooking. Her first attempt—chicken wings—unfortunately resulted in an undercooked mess and an unhappy customer. But that moment sparked a mentorship, and under the owner’s guidance, Jenise quickly discovered her skills in cooking. Soon after, her talents were in high demand across local businesses in the Trenton area and the bodega even named a menu item after her called the “Sadie Burger,” inspired by her hometown nickname. This turkey burger, topped with fried onions, mushrooms, and provolone cheese, marked the beginning of Chef Jenise’s culinary creativity.
While growing her newfound culinary career, which eventually turned into a business, Jenise also graduated from cosmetology school. For over 18 years, she successfully balanced both industries, running a side business in beauty. In 1999, she decided to return to her alma mater, Trenton Public Schools, to work within the district's school food program. There she met her lifelong mentor, Ms. Sally, who opened her eyes to new opportunities and taught Jenise a motto that has stayed with her throughout her professional career, "It gets greater later." This phrase, which emphasized the importance of persistence in the culinary field, assured Jenise that sticking with her career path would lead to great things.
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“Your choice is your voice. When you pick up that food, your voice was heard.”
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Today, Chef Jenise serves as Executive Chef of the Trenton School District, bringing over 25 years of dedicated service to her community. Her journey from humble beginnings to a leadership role has been defined by hard work, passion, and a deep sense of responsibility to improve the lives of those around her. Jenise’s influence extends beyond the kitchen, as she continues to inspire others through mentorship helping to guide and develop new staff. She creates vibrant meals that not only reflect her deep culinary passion but also her strong connection to Trenton, celebrating the flavors and traditions of her community.
“Chef Jenise is more than a culinary talent—she’s a force for connection, culture, and compassion,” says Francisca Sohl, District Manager in the East. “Through her flavorful creations, mentorship, and community outreach, she not only feeds the body but also nurtures the soul of her community. Whether she’s teaching aspiring chefs and students in the Trenton School District or opening her heart and home as a foster parent, Chef Jenise is constantly creating spaces where people feel seen, supported, and inspired.”
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Chef Jenise Steps on Screen!
Staying true to her philosophy that “Cooking is an expression of yourself,” Jenise has introduced a variety of creative programs designed to ignite a love for food and nutrition among her students. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she launched virtual cooking classes that brought together students, parents, and even faculty, teaching them how to make school lunch fun, nutritious, and something to look forward to even at home. Her hands-on approach encouraged families to embrace cooking as a chance for bonding and creativity, transforming everyday meals into something special. The recipes were drawn from the Aramark PRIMA platform of K12 recipes and quickly gained popularity, leading to the publication of an annual Chef Jenise Cookbook for families. These cooking events continue to this day turning mealtime into a joyful and shared experiences. Jenise’s ability to connect with others through food has solidified her as not just a chef, but a beloved figure in her community. As she always says, “Cooking is an expression of yourself,” and it’s this belief that fuels her dedication to making school meals not only nourishing but empowering for every student and family she serves.
