Blog: Kitchen 66 is growing! Welcome Karissa Smith.
Hello Tulsa and loyal LTFF followers! I’d like to start by thanking our LTFF Communications team for allowing me to introduce myself to you.
My name is Karissa Smith and I am proud to present myself as the new Program Manager for Kitchen 66. I grew up in the Tulsa Metro Area and graduated from Broken Arrow High School in 2008 (Go Tigers!). Ever since I could remember, I have loved my city. Specifically, the people, the culture, and of course…THE FOOD.
When I was 7 years old, I began to insist on cooking with my grandmother. She taught me the foundations that would later spark a true passion for the Culinary Arts. Cooking with her on the holidays was my favorite. I remember seeing everyone come together around the table. I remember the smiles that came with a good home cooked meal. I remember how cared for and revitalized everyone seemed afterward. I knew from a very young age that those were very special moments, and being able to create these moments, to me, was magic.
It was no surprise that when I was old enough, I began working in restaurants. I started when I was 15 years old. By the time I was 18 I had done every age appropriate position that I could in both the front and back of the house. By 21, I had done the rest. I began managing at 22 years old which was truly an eye opening experience.
Around this time, I decided that I wanted to try my hand at something totally and completely different.
At the age of 23, I began psychiatric patient care. During this time, I worked at a local girl’s group home. Some of the most memorable times were spent at meal time. At a group home, the staff make meals for the kids. I volunteered to cook every meal or snack that I could. It was truly a privilege for me to show these young people how much I cared through the medium of home cooked meals.
At the age of 28, I decided to go back into the restaurant world. I worked for some notable chefs in town, and things were going well. I was learning. I was hitting my stride. I felt like I had really found my place.
When COVID-19 hit, it changed the restaurant industry as we know it. Through this time, I met some of the most amazing, caring, and disciplined people I think I will ever meet. I can't remember a time when I was more proud to be a part of this community.
I learned skills that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.
The grit and determination of the restaurant community in Tulsa was astounding. I managed one of the Tulsa staple restaurants through COVID and into the re-opening phase of “post Covid”. I had the distinct honor of catering for Tulsa philanthropic titans such as the Tulsa Ballet and the Tulsa Botanical Gardens as we ushered in the next chapter of Tulsa social gatherings.
During this time, I began to research non-profit organizations. The philanthropic community had caught my attention.
The sense of community that I felt through all of the turmoil of the pandemic really reignited my passion for helping others. In 2021 I had the opportunity to help build a local children’s museum. In 2022 I got to see the museum open and thrive.
In April of 2022, I found Kitchen 66. It seemed almost too good to be true. A non-profit organization built around helping people with a passion for food. Reducing barriers that everyday people face on the journey of entrepreneurship. Investing in the local community. Helping it thrive. Celebrating the diversity of the city. In the short time that I have been here, I have been so honored to be a part of something that is impacting so many lives.
I look forward to stepping into my new role and am very grateful for the opportunity. Additionally, I look forward to expanding the reach of this program and growing it into something more and more beautiful.
