Profile: Brandon

One of seven children, Brandon (19) grew up in what he calls a “typical New Orleans neighborhood,” rampant with drugs and violence.

As a middle school student, Brandon thrived. He loved to study math and show off his athletic ability, playing quarterback in the school yard. Right around this time, however, he started forming negative habits, particularly smoking marijuana. The drug stripped him of his motivation. He smoked throughout his high school, a period that was severely impacted by Hurricane Katrina.

Tragedy stuck Brandon and his family in the spring of 2009, when his only sister was shot and killed just days before his high school graduation – another victim of the senseless street violence that has claimed so many lives in New Orleans.

A few months later, Brandon enrolled at Café Reconcile, quickly absorbing the “Eight Habits of Success,” which teach students general workforce skills. His hard work paid off, earning him an internship at the Loews Hotel. When informed that the only thing preventing him from landing a permanent job at the Loews was the dreadlocks that hung almost to his shoulders, Brandon showed up to work the very next day with his hair cut short.

Brandon now works as the Garde Manger (pantry chef) at Café Adelaide in the Loews. After just two months on the job, he is responsible for all the salads, some soups, and creating his own daily special with little or no input from his supervisors. When asked about his experience thus far at the Loews, Brandon glows: “I can’t imagine working at a better place. The people here are very supportive and want me to succeed. I’m learning everything I can. I don’t think I’m ever going to leave!”

Having recaptured the drive to be successful, Brandon has no plans to return to his former life. His infant son reminds him of his newfound purpose each day. Brandon plans to continue his education at a culinary school so that someday he will possess the tools to become an executive chef.