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Dallas College

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Stephanie Gutierrez

“When I first started college, I wanted to be a head chef at a restaurant. After being in school, I changed my mind. I then had a drive to be a caterer.

"I want to be my own boss and have my own kind of business. At El Centro’s Culinary and Hospitality Institute, I’m learning how to plan a menu and use time management in the kitchen.

"Now with SkillsUSA, it’s teaching me to get where I want to go. The competitions are massive, and they teach the job skills that will help me in the real world. When you’re involved with SkillsUSA, it feels like a family. I first joined because I just wanted friends, but I didn’t know that it would teach me so much. I’ve developed workplace skills, personal skills and technical skills grounded in academics.

"You get to learn how to be, like, a genuine person and have integrity because you’re learning about yourself by being pushed out of your comfort zone.

"Growing up, my mom told me, ‘If you do tasks at 95% and have that 5% left unfinished, what’s the point?’ So, every single thing I do, I give it 100%.

"My mom means everything to me. I take her advice to heart.

"Going into the culinary field, I work at a really nice restaurant. I get to cook for, like, really famous clients, like Mark Cuban. I made sushi for him and the Dallas Mavericks. I also got to cook for the Philadelphia Eagles.

"I get to do really cool stuff for my job using my CTE, career and technical education. When I get home to Dallas, I’m going to celebrate our accomplishments by making fresh pasta. Ravioli with ricotta and pesto, plus Parmesan cheese on top.”

A culinary student poses with Mark Cuban at her restaurant Stephanie poses with Mark Cuban after he visited her restaurant. 


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Sharon Gray

Sharon D. Gray

Network Operations Manager AT&T Mobility
“I’ve learned that it’s never too late for your dreams to come true — you just have to keep pushing. With patience and determination, hard work will pay off. It just takes getting started. Going back to school was definitely one of the best choices I’ve made in my life, and I’m starting to see it pay off.”
Business and Management
Sarah Martinez

Sarah Martinez

Hilton Dallas/Park Cities
“This program definitely made me feel inclusive and opens its doors to all walks of life to an industry that otherwise I would have never experienced or found on my own. I would tell people going through the program to take risks and try as many positions in this field. You never know when you may find your niche.”
Business and Management
Sharon Daniels-Megginson

Sharon Daniels-Megginson

Real Estate Broker and CEO Sharon Daniels Properties and Real Estate Specialist and Adjunct Faculty
“I was also able to apply for my real estate license exam with my associate degree. I make it my goal to tell other students, real estate agents and everyone I meet in the real estate field about furthering their education and obtaining a degree at the same time.”
Real Estate

Pat Sykes

Director H&R Block Premium
“The on-the-job applications drew the positive attention of my boss and enhanced my performance in the workplace. The Management Program helped develop the skill sets necessary to lead and coach others.”
Business and Management
A student with a red jacket poses for a photo in a downtown setting
Stephanie Gutierrez
Culinary Student
Culinary and Pastry Arts
School of Business, Hospitality and Global Trade
Updated September 16, 2025