Articles
HCC Consumer Arts & Sciences Hiring Fair introduces student talent to local, state employers
By Donald Sparks, HCC Central Communications Director
Apr 21, 2025
As Dora Amillivia followed Houston Community College (HCC) Culinary Arts student Alannah Valdes to different job booths, she was in awe of the potential job opportunities that her niece could land after graduating next month.
“I think this is the greatest idea ever,” Amilivia said. “When I was in college, I wish they held an event like this where employers came on campus to recruit for jobs.”
As part of HCC’s commitment to assisting students and graduates set to enter the workforce, HCC Central held a Consumer Arts & Sciences “Arts Mania” Career Fair at Central Campus.
Each Spring, the event is held so students gain practical, firsthand skills that lead directly to employment without necessarily requiring a four-year degree.
“The career fair creates vital pathways to stable careers for students from diverse backgrounds,” Leslie Landrey, career specialist, HCC Career Planning and Job Placement Services. “These fields offer accessible entry points into industries with strong job growth and entrepreneurial opportunities, particularly important in Houston's vibrant service and tourism economy.”
More than 120 students engaged face-to-face with hiring managers, with some providing their resumes for follow-up interview opportunities.
Valdes, a U.S. Marine Veteran, came to the event with an open mind to seek advice and gain connections with a prospective employer.
“I've been able to dive in and get a chance to meet different employers, so I feel that it's been helpful,” she said. “HCC has been a great place for someone who’s looking to further their career. This event has been a wonderful experience to get to collaborate and establish networking opportunities.”
The event featured nearly 20 local and state businesses recruiting for talent in the culinary arts, pastry arts, hospitality management and cosmetology programs. Hiring managers from George R. Brown Convention Center, Hilton Hotels and Resorts, Whim Hospitality, the Houstonian Hotel Club & Spa and the Joey Restaurant Group were in attendance.
Taking part in his third career fair at HCC, Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen-Downtown Manager Ryan Trudeau enjoys coming to scout for talent – especially finding individuals here in Houston.
“They (HCC students) are very talented, and they're very willing to learn,” Trudeau said. “I've noticed that it's very diverse. It's not just in front of the house or just back of the house, there are students who want to work in the kitchen and understand the full concept of a restaurant.”
After experiencing disappointments from using online hiring platforms to find prospective employees, Chef DeeDee Coleman wished she came to HCC many years ago to find talent.
As the owner of Cooking With a Twist, she said the career fair allows her to directly meet qualified applicants from HCC’s Consumer Arts programs.
“This has been the best experience, and I’m coming back to HCC to do this again,” Coleman said. “There’s a gold mine of talent here. There are so many qualified applicants for people we’re looking for. I was able to talk face to face and learn a little about their personalities.”
Both Trudeau and Coleman left the event with resumes they will be contacting to bring in for interviews.
For Valdes, who is fulfilling her lifelong dream of becoming a chef, having her aunt experience the excitement of her talking to potential employers was something special.
“She’s been my biggest supporter,” she said. “I jumped into the Culinary Arts program, and it’s been a wonderful experience. I’m thankful to be a part of the program and I’m excited about graduation and to see where I land after today.”
HCC Culinary Arts student Alannah Valdes talks to a hiring manager from City Kitchen Catering.