49 participants graduated from the Entrepreneurship and Nutrition program in three locations
During the month of October, the graduation and delivery of certificates for the Gastronomía360 Entrepreneurship and Nutrition course took place in three locations: Valencia, El Tocuyo, and Carúpano. In total there were 49 graduates and the ceremonies were characterized by the joy of the participants, who celebrated meeting the goal of completing the course full of determination to continue their training process. In El Tocuyo they also met to deliver gifts to the special guests with Tocuyan sweets, handmade cocuy, and a brochure explaining the choice of each one of them; while in Carúpano it is worth noting that the graduates made the appetizer table.
In Valencia were present: Diana Hernández, director of TyP institutional development; Patricia Fuentes, manager of Ford Motor de Venezuela (main ally); Antonella Pinto, president of Cavenit Carabobo; Father Carlos Torreiro from Caritas Valencia; Silvia Lizardo, president of Funda UC, and chef Lisbeth Martínez. As special guests were: Desiré López from Caritas Venezuela; Tahiry Gutiérrez, executive secretary of Funda UC; Mitvia Blanco, Funda UC academic planning coordinator, and chefs María Angélica Monasterio and Carlos Guzmán from Garage Food Bar. The regional coordinator, Endrina Cerró, with support from Yralí Palacios and Francys Burgos, moderated the event.
In El Tocuyo attended by: Diana Hernández, Sister Rafaela Pérez from the Congregation of Sisters of Charity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, and chef Josué Sánchez. The moderator of the event was Endrina Cerró, the central-western regional coordinator, together with José Gregorio León, the local coordinator.
In Carúpano were present: the teaching staff; Alexander Marius; Endrina Cerró and Lineth Rosario, coordinator of Carúpano. Allies were also present such as José Leonardo Termini, manager of the Hotel Eurocaribe Internacional; Monsignor Jaime Villarroel, bishop of the diocese of Carúpano; Jesús Villarroel, director of Caritas Carúpano; Christian Pastrano, operations manager of Hacienda San José Casa Franceschi, and Dinora Rojas, administrator of the San José Foundation. The moderator of the event was Lovelia Perez, a social communicator from Carúpano, and the graduate, Eli Luiggi, gave the words of thanks.
Beginning of practical classes of the Gastronomic Entrepreneurs course
From October 3 to 7, the practical classes of the hybrid course for Gastronomic Entrepreneurs began in the towns of Caracas, Guarenas, and Maturín, specifically at the Plaza’s Cooking School, the El Pan Nuestro Gastronomic Center and the IPG Professional Gastronomic Institute, respectively. The participants began to receive classes in the most recognized schools of the trade with teachers of the caliber of chef Marcela Reyes, manager of Gastronomic Training at Plaza’s Cooking School, chefs Victor Caraballo and Mireya Rojas, directors of the El Pan Nuestro Gastronomic Center, and chef Yelitza Acosta, director of IPG.
Masterclasses for graduates of Trabajo y Persona
Between the months of July and September, two masterclass sessions were held through the Google Meet platform for graduates of Trabajo y Persona in the chocolate and gastronomy trades. On this occasion, they counted on the participation of Professor Karina Amado, a specialist in finance and communication who, in addition to being an entrepreneur, works as a business consultant and content creator. Rodrigo Montes, who is a graphic designer and expert in motion graphics, animation and illustration, was also present. In the sessions, they discussed topics in the area of finance such as budgeting, cost-based pricing, cash flow, and pricing strategies, as well as aspects related to proper techniques for digital marketing and design.
Presentation of dishes in Entrepreneurship and Nutrition El Tocuyo
On September 16, within the framework of the V cohort of the Entrepreneurship and Nutrition program in El Tocuyo, Lara state, 14 participants showed their knowledge and culinary skills learned during their training process. The elaboration of 14 three-course menus was carried out at the Colegio Nuestra Señora de la Concordia. The activity was possible thanks to the support of Gourmet Food and Catering C.A., under the direction of its representative, chef Bettina. Among those present were the local coordinator, José Gregorio León; the facilitator chef in different classes of the program, Josué Sánchez; the gastronomic entrepreneur, César López, and the representative of the Congregation of the Sisters of Charity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Sister Rafaela Pérez.
Meeting with Gastronomic Entrepreneurs of Lara
On October 21, Diana Hérnandez and Endrina Cerró, representatives of the Trabajo y Persona board, met with the Gastronomic Entrepreneurs of Lara with the aim of hearing the impressions of the graduates on the course received and assessing the progress of their ventures. The entrepreneurs brought some of their most outstanding products to share a sample of their production. The pleasant meeting was at the Casa Hogar Dr. Gualdrón Augustinian Institute.
Forochat “The art of serving the table”
On October 21, the forochat “The art of serving the table” was held, together with chef Lisbeth Martínez (Bettina), via the Telegram platform. It was focused on table service management for events, through enterprises in charge of catering services. The main objective was to provide tools for adequate protocol and logistics in order for the 15 forochat participants to manage high-level events.
Delivery of certificates of the III virtual cohort of Carúpano Entrepreneurship and Nutrition
On October 25, the delivery of certificates of the III virtual cohort of Entrepreneurship and Nutrition Gastronomía360 Carúpano, formed during the Covid-19 Pandemic, was organized. The nine graduates showed that, despite the circumstances, they managed to fulfill their training dreams. That day their relatives were in attendance along with Alejandro Marius, the teaching team, Endrina Cerró (national coordinator of the project) and Lineth Rosario (coordinator of Carúpano), José Leonardo Termini (manager of the Hotel Eurocaribe Internacional), Monsignor Jaime Villarroel (bishop of the diocese of Carúpano), Jesús Villarroel, (director of Cáritas Carúpano), Christian Pastrano (operations manager of Hacienda San José de Casa Franceschi), Dinora Rojas (administrator of Fundación San José), and the moderator of the event, Lovelia Perez.
Conversation with Alejandro Marius
On October 26, a conversation was held with the president of Trabajo y Persona, Alejandro Marius, addressed to 35 graduates of the Venezuela Tierra de Cacao, and Gastronomía360 Carúpano Entrepreneurship and Nutrition projects. In this activity, they shared their experiences as entrepreneurs, their life stories, and a tasting of their products. It was a very enjoyable afternoon where there was laughter, tears of joy and anecdotes. At the end of the meeting, two sons of a graduate sang the song “Carúpano”. This meeting took place in the Mediterranean room of the Hotel Eurocaribe Internacional.
Chocolate tempering practice
On October 28, a chocolate tempering practice guided by César Carbonara took place in the spaces of the Chocolates Cayré laboratory. The workshop was aimed at graduates of Gastronomía360 Mérida and the general public, in which they worked on the various types of tempering, temperature protocols according to the type of chocolate, and practice with bitter, milk, white and artisan chocolate.
Cost Workshop for Gastronomic Entrepreneurs
On October 28, in the coworking spaces of the La Alegría bookstore, a workshop was held aimed at strengthening knowledge for cost management and pricing strategies in the gastronomic area for 17 graduates of the Entrepreneurship and Nutrition program from different cohorts. The trainer Raúl Caldera, a professional chef and artisan baker, created spaces to share the ideas that each participant had regarding the topic, and to be able to define the suggested guidelines for better financial management in their ventures. Topics such as setting objectives, sales strategies, customer selection, basic steps in Microsoft Excel, preparation and management of cost tables, preparation of invoices, and much more was discussed.
Curry and Adobo making workshop
On October 29, the graduates of the Entrepreneurship and Nutrition programs Gastronomía360 Carúpano and Venezuela Tierra de Cacao participated in the workshop to prepare Curry and Adobo with traditional spices. The activity was facilitated at Casa Otaola by the entrepreneur Katty Tineo, a graduate of the IV Cohort of Entrepreneurship and Nutrition, in which they learned that the preparation of a good marinade causes food chemical changes in the base ingredient (the protein), giving it flavor and different textures to the delight of diners. In addition, they understood that marinating meat in a combination of seasonings and spices allows it to intensify its taste, give it different nuances, and even soften its texture.
Video production workshop for entrepreneurs
On October 31 and November 1, the face-to-face workshop on video production for entrepreneurs was held under the guidance of Juan Carlos Cordova and Gabriela Andrades, better known as @nanocine_pro. In the activity, they taught graduates of different programs (Chocolate Entrepreneurs, VTDC Chocolate Entrepreneurs, Beauty Entrepreneurs) and the general public how to conceptualize their communication ideas, take them into a script format, and execute the production of video tutorials. The participants also learned about the basics of film language, tips for filming with a cell phone, editing a video using the InShot app, and exporting a video file for social networks. The workshop was held at the Espacio Suizo Foundation.
A new step for Anali Marquina’s business
The Gastronomic Entrepreneur who graduated from the I cohort, Anali Marquina, will inaugurate a production center for her venture (@alfacheros). Alfacheros continues to grow and changes from producing at home to having its own workspace, where in addition to the magic of making alfajores, there is a point of sale every day.
Gastronomic Entrepreneurs continue their studies
The Gastronomic Entrepreneurs who graduated from the I cohort, Isabel Perdomo (@piurmerida), María Laura Molina (@umamirestaurarte), and Yenifer Ropero (@dulcetbyyeni), were admitted to study the TSU in gastronomy management at the Universidad de Los Andes (ULA). This is how they will continue their training as entrepreneurs and managers of their businesses.
Isdailys Campos presented her internship defense
The Gastronomic Entrepreneur who graduated from the I cohort, Isdailys Paola Campos (@paolaccocina), presented her internship report to a jury in pursuit of the TSU degree in gastronomic management from the ULA. Isdailys completed her internships at Ksamigo’s restaurant, where she created the Pastry Master File. At this time, she is waiting for her graduation ceremony, which will be in December of this year.
Verona Osorio celebrated the anniversary of her store
The Gastronomic Entrepreneur graduated from the I cohort, Verona Osorio (@dulce.verona), celebrated the first anniversary of her Dulce Verona store. During this year it has evolved by offering not only its delicious desserts but also a range of paninis and smoothies to please its customers.
Mariana Valdez’s new products
The Gastronomic Entrepreneur who graduated from the I cohort, Mariana Valdez (@marianacocina), launched two new products that complement each other perfectly: granola and yogurt. Mariana is always listening to her clientele and seeking to generate a healthier food offer.
Entrepreneurs were interviewed on the radio
The graduates of the I and II cohort of the Diploma in Chocolate Entrepreneurship in Mérida, Carmen Pinto (@mikuticum), Maryann Dávila (@villispostresreal), Mayra Castellanos (@ovecacao), Livia Dávila (@chocolatesandrea_delvalle) and Zoeling Chung (@_maschocolate), were invited to a special radio program by the station La Mega 91.1, where they were interviewed regarding their ventures within the framework of the international cocoa day. Each one sponsored, with some of their products, a contest for the audience related to Venezuelan cocoa, in which the graduate Daniela Mazzei was the winner of one of the prizes.
Mayra Castellanos and Afrodita Pino at the Cocoa Festival
The graduates of the I and II cohort of the Diploma in Chocolate Entrepreneurship, Mayra Castellanos (@ovecacao) and Afrodita Pino (@dolcemelitta), were part of the 4th edition of the Cocoa Festival. This expo fair was organized by Mayra Castellanos and included the participation of local entrepreneurs in various areas, cultural activities, and a series of presentations. Afrodita participated as an exhibitor and exhibited part of her products at the event.
Graduates sponsored conversation
The graduates of the I and II cohort of the Diploma in Chocolate Entrepreneurship in Mérida, Zoeling Chung (@_maschocolate), Nora Mogollón (@dnorelechocolates), and Ana Carolina Sánchez, sponsored the discussion “Today I deserve.” These graduates, in alliance with the Círculo de Mujeres Diosas en Expasión, supported this activity for personal growth aimed at the general public, where the participants were also able to taste chocolates prepared by these entrepreneurs.
Luisana Durán, a focused teacher
The Gastronomic Entrepreneur who graduated from the I cohort, Luisana Durán (@elmagdelicias), is working as a teacher in an educational institution in a field oriented towards creation, production and reproduction groups in which students learn a trade. She currently fulfills the role of coordinator in this area and, in the same way, teaches a group of 3rd, 4th and 5th-year students in the elaboration of different dishes of Venezuelan cuisine.
The entrepreneurship of Virginia Rodríguez
The graduate of the V cohort of the Venezuela Tierra de Cacao (VTDC) project, Virginia Rodríguez, is publicizing her venture Chocolate Mi Ricura in a space provided by the Carmencita pharmacy, thus allowing the carupanero collective to learn about the products offered by the graduate.
Chocolate entrepreneurs in carupanera exhibition
The graduates of the I cohort of the VTDC project, Marian Rodriguez (with her venture La Maggia de Marian) and Lucy Luna (Chocolate Luna de Paria), and the graduates of the V cohort, Virginia Rodríguez (Chocolate Mi Ricura) and Maria Fernanda Quintero (SUNFER), participated in the “Bazarí Museum” where they exhibited their products to the visiting public in the anniversary month of the Carúpano Historical Museum.
Milangela Chaviel and her new learnings
The Training of Trainers participant, carried out within the framework of the Beauty for a Future program, Milangela Chaviel (@chavielmilangela), continues to update herself with trends in the world of beauty. On this occasion, she did an international certificate seminar with the @miamikeratin brand to learn about straightening without formaldehyde and that, instead, has hyaluronic acid for better hair care.
Leticia Navarro took on a new challenge
The graduate of the Venezuela Tierra de Cacao program, Leticia Navarro (@chocovelvet.vzla), since the beginning of this year has focused on serving an interesting niche: the corporate image. It has been a painstaking job with several tests that only began to bear fruit in July. The premiere of the movie Black Adam in the Cinex Tolón lobby was a good opportunity to show what she had been doing. On October 20, she was able to offer more than 220 pieces for influencers, journalists and guests at this event.
Milangela Chaviel does social work with students
The Training of Trainers participant, carried out within the framework of the Beauty for a Future program, Milangela Chaviel, guided the social work of 30 participants in the hairdressing and entrepreneurship workshop given in the community of Manzano Parroquia Catedral. Under her teaching, a free day of haircuts was held in alliance with the Nuevo Pueblo Training Center and the Cristo Rey Church at the INASS nursing home, where music, food, and smiles were shared with the residents of the institution. All of this was inspired by the training they received within the framework of the Social and Productive Resilience of women and youth project facing the effects of Covid-19 in Venezuela, financed by UNDP and executed by the Cesap Social Group at the national level.
Flor and Pastora continue to grow as entrepreneurs
The graduates of the I cohort of the Alimenta360 program, Flor and Pastora Reques, participated in a fair with an interesting theme: everything for 1 dollar. They had high expectations and nerves but everything turned out great; they made an effort to make themselves known and learn. There were also orders for desserts and sweets for the coming parties. All of this was thanks to the encouragement of Indriany Serrano, Flor’s daughter and Pastora’s niece, who is training in the current Gastronomía360 cohort.
Sarimar Castillo was invited to Vino y Pintó
The Chocolate Entrepreneur, Sarimar Castillo (@cacaopurpura), was invited to participate in the Wine and Paint activity with @jpernaletetua in alliance with @enjoybooks.ve, who joined in an inspiring edition called “Women who read” with anecdotes taken from the book “Women, who read, are dangerous” by the author Stefan Bollmann. The participants were able to learn about the audacity of many women to overcome the denial of the freedom of reading, in addition to creating their own works of art under the guidance of the artist Pernalete. During this time, those present tasted chocolates in two presentations: one filled with strawberry jam, white chocolate ganache with mint and 51% cocoa chocolate ganache with liqueur, and the other filled with white chocolate ganache with lemon, a Cashew heart, and a 51% cocoa chocolate ganache with liquor.
Yenitza López at an agroecology event
The Chocolate Entrepreneur, Yenitza López (@chococafelavictoria), participated in an event on Larense agroecology as organizer and speaker with an exhibition on the topic of agroecological cocoa production in the Escalera community in the Andrés Eloy Blanco municipality, Lara state. The event was organized by the Ministry of Science and Technology, the Simón Rodríguez University, and the Lara state government.
Maira González and her new classes
The Gastronomic Entrepreneur, Maira González (@cakesmairagonzalez), incorporated new classes of cuts and mother sauces for the 4th and 5th-year students attending the San Pedro school who are part of the Chef Junior interest group.
Entrepreneurs at the cocoa and chocolate festival
The graduates of the Venezuela Tierra de Cacao program, Lenny Longart, Lucy Luna, Marian Rodríguez, and the graduate of the V Entrepreneurship and Nutrition cohort, Mariangela Gómez, participated in the IV Pariano Cocoa and Chocolate Festival. Cocoa producers and chocolate entrepreneurs from the eight municipalities that make up the Paria region participated in the event.
Hot chocolate tasting with Marisol Sánchez
The graduate of the II cohort of the Diploma in Chocolate Entrepreneurship, Marisol Sánchez, was invited by the organizing committee of the Táchira Gastronomic Hall, to lead a chocolate tasting. For this occasion, the tasting was guided from the cocoa bean to a cup of hot chocolate, divided into three moments: the first with only chocolate, the second with sweet Andean bread, and the third with fresh cheese. The chocolate powder was transformed from seed to bar by Marisol.
