OUR SCHOLARS
Our first scholar, Dominique Campbell, (pictured left) graduated in 2006, worked at Walt Disney World, returned to the CIA for her B.A. degree (’09) and works as a pastry chef at Citifield.
Our next scholar, Melissa Montalbano (right), graduated in ’08, worked at Olana in New York City and, in addition to spending time with her young sons, has a private cake baking business.
Santo Saitta graduated in April ’10, worked at Pasticceria Bruno and at Daniel Boulud's Boulud Sud. He competed in the Junior Pastry World Cup in Rimini, Italy, finishing fifth in the world! He currently runs Patrizia Restaurant in Red Bank, New Jersey.
Also pictured is a cake he made for the 9th Annual FUN!draiser!
Jessie Kuznitz graduated in January 2014, continued at the CIA to complete her B.A., graduated Summa cum Laude and is about to get married this summer!.
Sara Montesdeoca graduated from the CIA in 2016 and is working at Colson Patisserie, the renowned Belgian bakery in Brooklyn.
Nicole Carlini Graduated from The CIA in 2018, worked at Dominique Ansel Bakery (birthplace of the Cro-nut!) and is currently working at Hudson Valley Foies Gras.
Jahqyad Austin graduated from the CIA after spending his externship at Eleven Madison Park. He has also worked with Daniel Boulud, and was just selected to be one of three C-CAP Alums to be a James Beard Fellow, starting a 10 week Residency at The James Beard House in NYC.
Check him out at https://jahqyadaustin.wixsite.com/cheftobe
Leslie Villalva, our 2020 Scholarship recipient is pursuing her studies at the CIA!
And our NEWEST SCHOLAR, Reece Orakwue is graduating from Long Island HS, and will be Attending The CIA in the fall!
Here's David and Jordon at the 2022 C-CAP Benefit with C-CAP Founder RICHARD GRAUSMAN, along with RFF Scholarship recipients Jahqyad Austin and Leslie Villalva
