Dream on Purpose, Inc., will host “Cupcakes & Conversations: Culinary Creations” on Saturday at Girls Place, Inc. in Gainesville.
The free workshop, dedicated to empowering young girls to actualize their dreams, will run from 2 to 4 p.m. at 2101 NW 39th Ave. Space is limited and advance registration is required. To register for the free event, visit dreamonpurpose.org/events.
This event is designed for girls ages 11–18 and will provide a hands-on cooking experience that blends culinary instruction with conversations about health, nutrition and future well-being.
Participants will learn practical kitchen skills from a professional chef, Jason Woodroof of Chefs of the Row, LLC. They will also engage in a candid discussion led by a nurse practitioner, Dr. Reathea “Reese” Felder of the University of Florida College of Nursing, about the connection between food and overall health, and receive a free take-home resource kit to continue building their culinary skills at home.
“Cupcakes & Conversations is about creating spaces where young people can learn real-life skills while also having honest conversations about their future,” said JoAnne Karagnara, vice president and cofounder of Dream on Purpose, in the press release. “Through experiences like Culinary Creations, participants not only gain confidence in the kitchen but also develop a deeper understanding of how food, health, and personal choices shape their lives.”
The event is part of Dream on Purpose’s ongoing Cupcakes & Conversations series, which provides youth with a supportive environment to explore important topics, build confidence, and connect with mentors and professionals in the community.
Activities include:
- Hands-on cooking instruction with a professional chef
- “Real Talk” discussion on food, health, and future choices
- A free take-home resource kit for continued learning
This workshop is made possible through the support of Chefs of the Row, Girls Place, the University of Florida College of Nursing, the Community Foundation of North Central Florida and The Wagmore Foundation.