Following a Dream: Sherry Pocknett Shares Her Journey to Becoming an Award-winning Chef

Wednesday, February 14, 2024

Chef Sherry Pocknett visited Bunker Hill Community College (BHCC) on November 16, 2023, as part of BHCC’s Compelling Conversations series. Moderated by Associate Vice President and Chief Equity and Compliance Officer Nahomi Carlisle, Chef Sherry shared her family's history in the restaurant business and her journey to becoming an award-winning chef and recently became the first indigenous woman to receive the James Beard Award for Best Chef in the Northeast. She emphasized the importance of following your dreams, staying true to yourself, and never giving up despite facing challenges.

She encourages aspiring chefs to pursue their passion and love themselves. Chef Sherry cooks with love and prayer, aiming to bring joy to people through her food. While her interest in cooking began as a child with an Easy Bake Oven, Chef Sherry spoke about family cooking traditions, including seafood stew and cooking competitions among family members. She emphasized the importance of preserving tribal traditions and values and her desire to pass on her knowledge of indigenous food and traditions to the next generation.