YLA - Young Leaders of America

I've been sharing my love of baking and cooking with the youth for over a decade now, and it's been one of the most rewarding parts of my baking career. Starting with 4-H back in 2013, and now mentoring with YLA - Richfield since 2023.

I get to see the youth discover their passion for the kitchen. In the fall, our Future Bakers program kicks off with the basics—we start simple and work our way up to breads, pastries, and all those delicious desserts. When spring rolls around, the Future Chefs take center stage. They learn kitchen safety and knife skills, but here's the fun part—they get to suggest dishes they want to learn, and I build the whole program around what excites them.

It's not just about making something tasty, though. The youth learn real-world skills like cleaning up after themselves, washing dishes properly, and taking pride in their workspace. When they leave, they walk out with a finished dish to take home, a recipe in hand, and the confidence to keep cooking on their own.

That's what it's all about for me—building skills, boosting confidence, and helping them fall in love with baking and cooking the way I have.

If you would like more information on how to join YLA - Richfield, UT email me at sugarbeanbakeryutah@gmail.com