Chartwells K12 Connects with Future Talent at Johnson & Wales University
People
Supporting students beyond the classroom through mentorship, career pathways, and meaningful partnerships
Chartwells K12 is proud to continue building strong partnerships that support the future of foodservice, nutrition, and culinary leadership. Last fall, several members of our team partnered with Compass Group’s Talent Acquisition team to engage with students and alumni at Johnson & Wales University’s Harborside Campus in Providence, Rhode Island, during the university’s fall career fair and classroom visits.
Representing Chartwells K12 were Ryan Hurley, Area Director; Shayna Shields, Rhode Island State Dietitian; and Chef Reece Lavacca, Regional Executive Chef for New England. Together, the team spent two meaningful days connecting with students across multiple academic programs, sharing real-world insights into careers within Chartwells and Compass Group.
Classroom Connections
The team visited six different JWU classrooms, having conversations directly with students studying culinary arts, nutrition, and foodservice management. Shayna Shields and Ryan Hurley – both proud Johnson & Wales alumni – shared their personal career journeys and discussed how their JWU experiences helped shape their paths within Chartwells K12.
Students were highly engaged, asking thoughtful questions about Compass Group as an organization and the unique opportunities within the K-12 schools. The day concluded with a lunch hosted by JWU’s dining room class, joined by Dean Jason Evans of the College of Food Innovation and Technology, offering another opportunity for meaningful conversation and connection.
“As a proud alumnus of Johnson & Wales University, it was incredibly rewarding to share my journey from graduation to my career with Chartwells K12,” said Shayna Shields, Rhode Island State Dietitian. “Helping students envision the diverse opportunities available within Compass Group made the experience especially meaningful.”
Fall Career Expo
The team also joined JWU’s Career Expo, spending several hours meeting with students from a wide range of programs. Many conversations focused on internship opportunities, highlighting strong interest from students eager to gain hands-on experience.
These discussions revealed a valuable opportunity to develop a local internship pipeline across Rhode Island and the broader New England region, allowing Chartwells K12 to attract emerging talent early and support long-term career growth.
“Connecting with such motivated students reinforced how important it is to engage early and show what’s possible within Compass Group,” shared Ryan Hurley, Area Director. “There’s real potential to build lasting relationships that benefit both students and our organization.”
Investing in the Future
Chartwells K12 remains committed to cultivating the next generation of leaders in nutrition, culinary arts, and foodservice management. Our partnership with Johnson & Wales University reflects that commitment, creating pathways for students to explore meaningful careers while strengthening the future of our industry.
Learn how Chartwells K12 could partner with your district to support students beyond the classroom while strengthening workforce readiness and long-term program success. Click “Get Started” above to connect with our team!