Faculty FrontDoor

Ricarya Jackson

I started working in the hospitality industry my senior year of high school as a hostess at our local Cracker Barrel at the age of 17. Since then I've had the pleasure of working for various brands & companies within the hospitality sector. I earned my bachelor's and master's degrees, as well as a graduate certification in Event Management at the UCF Rosen College of Hospitality Tourism & Management. My last year in the graduate program I began working for the college as well. Post-grad I began teaching there as an Adjunct Professor and was promoted to an Administrator of the Graduate Program and Office of The Dean. Prior to graduating, while attending graduate school, I started working as a private chef providing weekly meal prep for clients based on referrals and quite frankly the market need in my area. That business began to grow and take-off, so at that point I followed all the guidelines and jurisdictions to grow my business into a full-fledged catering company, Soul Kiss Events and Catering. I've always had a passion for cooking, food, and flavors! Couple that with my training and managerial skills, establishing, running, and maintaining my business since 2016, is an achievement I pride myself on. With this business I've had the pleasure of opening doors for my students who share in the same interests and passions by providing internships, part-time jobs, and field experience to help grow their knowledge.