During her program year, Louisa Addio (Ghana, Miami Dade College, Tourism and Hospitality, 2015-16) studied Culinary Arts and Catering. She received two certificates as a Chef’s Apprentice and Food & Beverage Specialist. Many of the classes that Louisa took provided her with the exposure, understanding, and knowledge of the culinary arts industry. She also took part in a Small Business class, which gave her insight on starting a business and being an entrepreneur. Through leadership seminars, team building exercises, and striving for her own personal development, Louisa was able to strengthen her own skills as a student and professional. She also stated that she was able to gain a better understanding of U.S. culture through culture and society sessions, which her program coordinator taught. During her time in the program, Louisa and her fellow participants attended weekly Culture, Society, and Institutions courses that equipped them with the knowledge and experience to learn about American culture and share their cultures. One of her favorite memories from the CCI Program was sharing her culture with students on the Miami Dade College campus.
Louisa excelled throughout her program year and beyond. While attending the program, she was honored as a culinary student during the Annual Culinary Chef Coat Ceremony held by the Miami Culinary Institute at Miami Dade College. She received a brand-new chef coat and shared her cuisine with honored guests, including an internationally renowned chef. She also volunteered with Chapman Partnership, which provides in-house resources and services for homeless people, including clinics, family dorms, cafeterias, classrooms, activities, and more. In addition, Louisa volunteered at Style Saves, a non-profit that provides children and families with clothing, school essentials, food assistance, and maternity needs. It was through volunteering that Louisa realized she wanted to help those in her community. After returning to Ghana, Louisa decided to send donations to prisons, hospitals, orphanages, and widows in collaboration with one of her friends.
Louisa also finished her Higher National Diploma (HND) with First Class, and she was awarded Best Hospitality Graduating Student 2017 in Hotel, Catering, and Institutional Management. She then pursued a bachelor’s degree in Hospitality and Tourism Management and graduated with First Class. In October 2020, Louisa began working at Ho Technical University as a Senior Technician in the Hospitality and Tourism department. She stated that her participation in the CCI Program contributed to her employment. As a Senior Technician, Louisa teaches Cookery Theory. Teaching has always been a job that Louisa admires, as educators have an active role in positively impacting students’ lives. She also shares her experiences from the CCI Program with her students and other exchange students participating in various programs. Currently, Louisa is seeking to further her education and pursue a master’s degree. She is hopeful that her time in the CCI Program and her academic and professional experiences will help her accomplish her goal.
Louisa and Her Students at Their Final Practical Functions
In closing, Louisa stated “The CCI Program has been one of the greatest benefits in my career and educational experience and opportunities. My story will never be complete without the CCI Program.” The CCI Program fosters students with the skills to succeed, but it’s up to the individual how they use those skills. Louisa’s accomplishments, her devotion to helping and educating others, and her motivation to succeed are remarkable. Her story demonstrates the importance of challenging oneself to set ambitions high. At the same time, it’s not ways about the next achievement, but how our own successes can be used to help others, and that is exactly what Louisa is doing.
Written by Holly Calhoun, Alumni Relations and Communications Coordinator