Talking influences and the recipe for success for women in the culinary arts

When it comes to trail blazers in the culinary arts, Julia Child is at the top of the list when it comes to influences on the career of Helms College Director of Hospitality and Culinary Education, Chef Kristina Dahl.

But Chef Dahl also finds inspiration in doing, not just watching an icon on TV.

“Julia Child was in the culinary industry back when there weren’t a lot of female chefs,” said Dahl. “She was so creative, knowledgeable and paved her own path.”

Blazing one’s own path takes creativity and strength, which are two traits Dahl values in other chefs and exhibits herself when she’s guiding students through their culinary journeys.

“When I was 18, I worked for Chef Elaine Bargeron at Elaine’s Café in Augusta,” said Dahl. “She went to Le Cordon Bleau in France when there were very few other women there. She’s a creative woman who made incredible food for high-end events. She paid attention to the smallest details, yet still was passionate and engaging. She knew what she wanted and how to get it.”

That’s the message she takes to the next generation of chefs: Find your passion and do it on purpose. Aim high and your path will grow to meet it. When you get to the next door of opportunity, kick it open!
Here’s to Helms College trail blazer Chef Kristina Dahl!

To read about Chef Dahl’s recent recognition at the Annual Taste of Georgia Legislative Reception as part of the 2023 Georgia Grown Executive Chefs Class in The Georgia Sun, Click here.

About Helms College

Helms College is a private, accredited, not-for-profit postsecondary career school licensed by the Georgia Nonpublic Postsecondary Education Commission. Helms College provides a unique approach to experiential learning and career education. Named in honor of Rev. Edgar Helms, the founder of Goodwill Industries, Helms College creates opportunities for students to discover their strengths and build upon their knowledge, skills, and attitudes through extensive integrative and experiential learning. Helms College is operated by Goodwill Industries of Middle Georgia.

Media Contact:
Kelly McWilliams, Content Marketing Manager
478-973-6924 |
kmcwilliams@helms.edu