Jessica Raia-Long
Tampa, FL
AOS Culinary Arts 2001
Personal chef, restauranteur, caterer, chef/owner. Involved in the local community on various levels from non-profit to hospitality organizations. I am currently on the Board of Directors at NECI.
Remembering NECI: I loved the entire experience at NECI from my small student/teacher ratio to the farm-to-table experience and relationships we learned at NECI. The internships are designed to encourage growth at any level and the career services team made the difference when I made my internship selection. Lastly, I believe the open-door policy I had with my chefs allowed me to discuss ideas and dreams in the culinary field. Without these open conversations, I may have stagnated in a large restaurant instead of learning from smaller, professional kitchens.