See my sister has been in culinary and hospitality industry since 15 years old. She enjoys the demands and creativity of that life. I have been working in social justice and community building since I was 15. Dedicated to our careers-or lifestyles- we decided to begin a social enterprise that would combine our passions and create a company that would grow into a beautiful extension of our callings....
So SoulBoricua was born.
My sister and I grew up in a home filled with lots of love and connection. We were the family that ate dinner together each night. And my mother had perfected a menu rotation that infused our Black roots and Puerto Rican roots. My mother's family was recent immigrants from the Island, and when she meet my Dad 33 years ago she would learn about his culture from my Grandmother, Lenora Carroll. My Dad's family also had just moved from the South to Chicago, still close to their own story and culture. With my mother's mom still close we have been able to stand on their hard work and love and take on the world with good food in our bellies.
It wasn't until we were older that I understood what privilege it was to grow up in a home like ours. We didn't have much, but we were connected, and was able to embrace our cultures. My sister and I wanted to share that love, and that privilege of being able to be who we were and the support we had from our parents to inspire.
SoulBoricua is our catering and event planning company. It was what we did this year...when we could. My sister and I have juggled Grad School, demanding full time jobs, oh yeah and kids and husbands!!! But we have been given an opportunity this year to grow and fully realize our vision of creating a social enterprise in the food industry. Our goals include:
Deleting the BOX. Hiring those that may have a criminal past. We were taught not to judge people, and to be humble. Our job application does not have the box that asks and limits hiring based on criminal convictions.
Becoming Sustainable and Organic. As mothers this is important to us. It is our visions to grow to become a sustainable company using alternative methods for energy and other resources. And we have begun and will continue to expand our sources of food to be non-GMO, no pesticides or hormones.
Fair and just employment policies. We believe in equitable pay and will pay accordingly with a $15 minimum wage. Providing our employees with maternity and paternity leaves that are evolved like other countries have already done. And also providing staff with personal and sick days that take into account families and health. Being a great employer for families.
Providing support for personal development. So many jobs are dead end, or demand so much from employees with little support. We want to provide job training and support and take into account the whole employee for a great future with our company and beyond.
Supporting community building. Our service will benefit the community organizations and building that is happening in the Chicagoland area with reasonable cost in food and event support.
We hope you try us out and watch our growth and chime in with any good advise you may have. Please check out our website www.soulboricua.com to learn more about this new side venture.
“This food is the gift of the whole universe – the earth, the sky, and much hard work.
May we live in a way that is worthy of this food.
May we transform our unskillful states of mind, especially that of greed.
May we eat only foods that nourish us and prevent illness.
May we accept this food for the realization of the way of understanding and love.”
-Anonymous
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