Alexander Martin

Common Threads’ Chef Instructors are professional chefs and teachers, trained in Common Threads’ unique curriculum, who teach the students at each of our thirty sites throughout Chicago, as well as in Los Angeles, Miami and Washington, DC. Chef Instructors nurture and mentor our students, while leading them through the prep, cooking, clean-up and, of course, eating of the three hands-on ethnic recipes each week!

While attending Michigan State University to complete my bachelors in Economics, I explored my initial interest in the banking industry.   I started my post undergraduate career in commercial and retail banking but my goal has always been to open my own restaurant; I wanted to be financially savvy to run my own establishment.  January 2008 I became one step closer and opened J Lafayette Catering and did work part-time.  I was preparing hors d'oeuvres for an all day wine tasting event, cooking and serving 150 patrons single handedly, all while working full-time.  I know the hard work it takes to provide quality service.

I knew that I had been stuck in the corporate rat race for too long and it would be harder for me to pursue my dream if I didn't do something right then.  So I quit my job end of 2009, taking with me the pride of entrepreneurship and a wealth of support from co-workers, clients, family and friends.  Even though my dream is within site, I can not neglect the opportunities and support that I've had along the way.  I don't want to wait until I've "made it" to start giving back the same inspiration to my community; working for Common Threads is one of the small ways that I can give back to young kids.  I absolutely LOVE being in a kitchen and my goal is to inspire a young person to think differently and be passionate about something positive.