Investing in Herself: Riley Chavez and the Power of Purposeful Learning

Riley Chavez has never been one to wait for opportunities to come to her. From the moment she arrived in New Orleans, she sought out stages, immersed herself in professional kitchens, and pushed herself to learn as much as possible - fast. That same drive is what led her to NOCHI and continues to shape her path as she returns to complete the Baking & Pastry Arts program.

A recipient of the Aaron Sanchez Impact Fund Scholarship, Riley came to NOCHI with experience already under her belt and a clear goal in mind: to sharpen her technique and deepen her understanding of her craft. “I wanted more knowledge and better technique for my culinary experience,” she says. “I hoped to better myself as a chef. I would have come even without the scholarship.”

Rather than immediately settling into just one role, she was determined to stage at multiple restaurants as soon as she arrived, absorbing different styles, standards, and perspectives wherever she could. Soon after, Riley began working at Emeril’s soon after moving to the city, an experience that placed her in the middle of a historic moment as the restaurant earned its first two Michelin stars.

At NOCHI, Riley has found meaningful value in experiences beyond the classroom. “It’s slower paced than a regular kitchen,” she says of the classroom experience, “but it’s nice to take the time to learn how to do things the right way.”

That slower pace has also brought its own challenges. For Riley, the biggest hurdle has been mental health, specifically learning how to accept failure as part of growth. “It’s hard to accept failing,” she admits, “but you learn through failure.” In an industry known for intensity and pressure, that lesson has proven just as important as any technical skill.

Her favorite moments so far have come through volunteer opportunities and externships, including time at Compère Lapin, where she was able to apply her skills in a real-world environment while continuing to learn.

Riley decided to return to NOCHI to complete the Baking & Pastry Arts program and is already looking ahead past her second graduation. She hopes to move to Denver, work in Michelin-starred kitchens, and eventually open her own bakery. And while her plans may take her across the country, New Orleans will always be part of the picture. “Maybe I’ll move back,” she says. “I want to show the younger girls in my family that there isn’t only one path to take just because that’s what everyone else is telling you to do. I want to be an inspiration.”

Driven, persistent, and unafraid to start over in pursuit of growth, Riley Chavez embodies what it means to invest in yourself and to bring others along with you as you rise.