It was an afternoon celebration full of good vibes as the graduates of a unique partnership between Humber Polytechnic and Karis Disability Services received their certificates at the Barrett Centre for Technology Innovation. 

Karis – which provides shared and independent living services, accessible family camps, advocacy, training, respite, and other programs with the mission of fostering inclusion, independence, and opportunity for people with disabilities – launched its partnership with Humber in 2014. Together, Humber and Karis offer a two-semester Culinary Skills Development and Employment program that trains students to work in professional kitchens at restaurants such as Boston Pizza or Turtle Jack’s. 

In addition to celebrating that milestone, Humber and Karis now offer a Baking Fundamentals program. In the spring, Humber’s Longo Faculty of Business, led by John McNeil, associate dean of Continuous Professional Learning (CPL), worked with Karis to create the program that mirrors the culinary model and places graduates in roles at industry employers such as Sobey’s and Tim Hortons. 

The first cohort of 14 Baking Fundamentals graduates, along with the 14 graduates from the Culinary Skills program, were recognized at this year’s ceremony. 

Deborah Baptiste, an employment coordinator with the Baking Fundamentals program, said the students started referring to themselves as the Original Baking Squad on the first day and the name just stuck. Baptiste showered praise on the graduates for what they accomplished and told them they’re equipped with the skills and confidence to succeed both at work and life. 

Rashminder Hira, a graduate of the Baking Fundamentals program, told the gathered family and friends how excited he was to initially learn that he would be attending the Humber program and how it taught him skills that go beyond the kitchen including communication, time management and teamwork. 

“From the first week, I learned this wasn’t just about baking – it was about connection, patience, friendship and teamwork,” said Hira. “One of the best parts was the placement experience working in a real kitchen, building employment skills and being part of a team. It helped me feel ready for the workforce.” 

Since its inception, the partnership has produced more than 130 graduates. 

Michael Parsa, Ontario’s Minister of Children, Community and Social Services, was also in attendance and told the graduates how proud he was of them.   

“To the Class of 2025, congratulations to each and every one of you - you’ve worked so hard, and you’ve achieved so much,” said Parsa, who also recognized graduate Julia Serina during his speech for her stirring rendition of O Canada.   

Culinary Skills graduate Emma Steinbacher has made countless friends through the program along with memories she will cherish for the rest of her life. She had high praise for the Humber instructors, thanking them for their kindness, patience and belief in the students. 

“You didn’t just teach us how to cook – you helped us believe that we belong in the kitchen and that we can be great at what we love,” said Steinbacher. “To my fellow students, this moment is ours. Never forget how far you’ve come. You’re smart, you’re strong and you’re capable. Your journey might look different, but your dreams are just as real and just as possible.” 

Also announced at the graduation event was that Aline El-Hajj had been named this year’s winner of the Onward Spirit Award for being a shining example of inner strength and resiliency. 

Meanwhile, McNeil and Dave Smiderle, associate dean, CPL with the Faculty of Applied Sciences & Technology, are exploring and expansion of the framework to apply to three other programs - greenhouse operations, vertical farming and landscaping - next year.