Ra’Mauri

Generously Supported By: Sprouts Community Member + Open Table
Age, at time of Internship: 16
CT Intern: Summer 2023
Restaurant Host: One Market, Chef Mark Dommen
Referred By: Oakland Unified School District (OUSD)
Intern Story:

Ra’Mauri arrived at his Sprouts Chef Training program with experience: he had already completed an internship with the Ralph Bunche Culinary Academy with Chef David. There, he worked as a student chef at the Oakland Unified School District (OUSD) central kitchen where school lunches are designed, tested, and prepared from scratch. The positive feedback Ra’Mauri received from Chef David encouraged his passion for cooking and, therefore, launched his internship with the Sprouts Chef Training Program under mentor Chef Mark Dommen at One Market.

One of the reasons Ra’Mauri was selected for the Sprouts Chef Training program is that he strives to excel at everything he does. Ra’Mauri worked to build on the food preparation basics he learned at the Ralph Bunche Academy and greatly improved his knife skills over the course of his internship. Ra’Mauri also grew in his efficiency and precision in chopping vegetables, such as onions, and learned how to prepare dishes like coleslaw and latkes under Chef Mark.

Ra’Mauri has several role models that inspire him to cook, the first being his grandmother. He enjoys cooking for her and learning from her. Another role model in Ra’Mauri’s life is Alexander, the first winner of Master Chef Junior, who inspired Ra’Mauri to enter (and win) a cooking competition of his own. His last main role model is Snoop Dogg because, in addition to being a famous musician, he pursues and excels at other interests as well, like cooking. Similar to his idols, Ra’Mauri has a variety of unique talents and interests. Outside of perfecting his cooking skills, Ra’Mauri is a passionate drummer, artist, and enthusiast of science and engineering. With his drive and cooking background, culinary school is a strong possibility in Ra’Mauri’s future.