A Hunger to Learn: Alumnae connect on food and faith through mentorship

Jannotta, a recent graduate of Sewanee-The University of the South, was introduced to d’Arabian, celebrity chef and 2016 recipient of St. Andrew’s Distinguished Alumni Award, through her grandfather, David Smith, a member of St. Andrew’s Board of Trustees.

 

At St. Andrew’s, Jannotta was a co-leader of the Campus Kitchens Project, and in college she founded the school’s chapter of Spoon University, a food publication written by college students.

 

“My interest in the food industry is part of a much larger interest of mine to serve communities locally and abroad,” she said. “Food has the capacity to benefits others. I enjoy creating fun and easy ways for people to learn how to cook and to take advantage of those tools to lead healthier lives.”

 

D’Arabian said she was inspired to take Jannotta on as a mentee after she sent her an article she wrote about food and faith.

 

“That is my interest. That is what it’s always been. That is what food is for me,” d’Arabian said. “I knew she wanted to learn more about something I did. I knew I would shepherd her through the steps. I also knew that, philosophically, we felt the same way about food.”

 

Over the past year, d’Arabian has helped Jannotta develop recipes and present them in the style of her Associated Press column “The Healthy Plate.”

 

“When I began working with Melissa, I thought my challenge would be to think ‘outside of the box’ when developing ideas. But, she has taught me that taking time to understand and use the tools I have - inside the box or inside my pantry - will produce 'outside of the box' results,” Jannotta said, adding that d’Arabian has helped her expand her problem solving, time management and resource management skills.

She has also advised Jannotta throughout her job search, offering suggestions for which organizations to work for and positions to consider.

 

“With Melissa’s expertise and mentorship, I have begun to understand where my true interests in food lie. Helping people through food is what I care about,” she added.

 

D’Arabian said she can already see Jannotta’s potential to succeed in the food industry.

 

“The food world is a small world. Food writing, food and faith, is even smaller. I really saw the potential for Katie to be a colleague one day in some capacity,” d’Arabian said. “For me it was a very easy ‘yes.’”

 

Jannotta said St. Andrew’s taught her to advocate for herself, a tool she has used to network and achieve her goals.

 

“The St. Andrew’s network itself is especially strong - it helped me meet Melissa,” she said. “It means a great deal to me that I am able to connect with an influential woman in the food industry who shares a St. Andrew’s background.”

 

D’Arabian said alumni should consider mentoring because it enriches the entire St. Andrew’s community.

 

“There’s always room at the table,” d’Arabian said. “There’s always rooms to scoot our chairs over and let another join in.”