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WHO WE ARE
WHO WE ARE
The Davenport Community Development Corporation, in addition to our other collaborative partners, helped us launch the Feeding the Future Workforce Development & Entrepreneurial Program in January 2022.
The Davenport Community Development Corporation (DCDC) is a 501c3 Chicago-based non-profit entity that is dedicated to creating both in-person and online sustainable life-changing engagement opportunities for historically underrepresented populations.
This is accomplished through the implementation of strategically based concepts that promote the importance of self-actualization, self-efficacy, self-determination, and inclusive solidarity within the communities that we serve.
OUR TEAM
David Davenport
President and Founder of Davenport Community Development Corporation 501C3
His mission is to offer training strategies and develop platforms that assist corporations and community leaders in working together to create opportunities for individuals to advance their marketable skills for success in the job market.
David worked for Ford Motor Company for thirty years, completing his last 6 years in Quality Control. He has a Bachelor of Arts degree with a minor in Non-Profit Management from North Park University. His experience stems from serving on several nonprofit boards, including the Salvation of Army Kroc Center Chicago as the Community Liaison. It was there that he introduced the Family Center programs to churches, organizations, and community groups. All of these efforts aided in boosting membership and enhancing the center's presence in the adjacent communities.
Mr. Davenport is also a volunteer Chaplain with the Department of Correction and Juvenile Detention Center in Chicago. He is an engaging presenter and counsels men and women in practical life lessons. Additional endeavors of his include: serving with the Washington Heights Chamber of Commerce, working in city procurement workshops, job fair coordination with major employers in the community, and serving as a community activist in curtailing crime in his community.
Jasmine Murray, REHS
Co-Founder and Director of Feeding the Future
Jasmine Davenport-Murray REHS (Registered Environmental Health Specialist), is an expert with over 20 years of experience in the food safety industry. She is the Founder of ARF Food Safety Consulting Group, which specializes in Food Safety Consulting, Inspections, Litigation Services, and Training. Additionally, Mrs. Murray is a Certified Food Sanitation Trainer with Servsafe and Chicago/Illinois Health.
With experience in the public and private sectors, Mrs. Murray provides advice and guidance on topics including regulatory compliance, quality systems management, supply chain, food allergen safety, health and wellness, business strategy, and food product development. Her previous work experience includes National Food Safety Director with Aramark Refreshment Services, Food Service Operations Manager with Sodexo Food Services, Food Safety Auditor with NSF International, and Environmental Health Specialist with the Virginia Beach Dept. of Public Health. She graduated and received her Bachelors of Science degree in Biology Pre-Med from the elite Hampton University.
Chef Fershawnda Green
Co-Founder and Culinary Expert
Fershawnda Green, Founder, and President of Poppin Plates Culinary Incubator, with two decades of food service experience, has applied her knowledge in a way to help emerging entrepreneurs like herself successfully succeed in the food service industry. Her previous work experience includes a chef's assistant, a chef on cruise lines, and other food service establishments.
Ms. Green has a love for learning. After learning Kitchen Back of the House knowledge, she enhanced her breadth by learning Front of the House knowledge which enabled her to manage various foodservice brands throughout the city of Chicago.
In 2018, Ms. Green started a Food & Beverage consultancy firm that focuses on emerging entrepreneurs looking to break into the Food and Beverage industry. After seeing all the struggles her clients were facing, she took her business to the next level by opening a Culinary Incubator, Poppin Plates in Park Forest, IL. Poppin Plates has since opened its doors to over twenty-five new start-up foodservice brands.
OUR MISSION
“The best way to predict the future is to create it.”
-Abraham Lincoln
Our mission is to provide a food service training program that will have trainees engage in experiential learning and customer service experiences in food preparation. The program will develop their skills and competencies in order to obtain food service employment and serve the economic needs and wellbeing of the community. Trainees will represent economically disadvantaged individuals in the community.
OUR ALUMNI
Cohort 1 Graduates
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Email: impact@feedingthefuture.org • Phone: 312.600.7184 • Address: 5245 S Cottage Grove, Chicago, IL 60615
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