Cynethia Williams

Chef & Hospitality Instructor

Chef Cynethia fell in love with food and started her culinary education when she was a child, watching her aunts in New Orleans cook, and finding herself knee deep in family recipes. She later trained at L’Academie de Cuisine and found her rhythm in the Navy galley, drawn to the teamwork and culture of the kitchen, scrubbing dishes in a three-sink rotation and soaking up every bit of kitchen culture she could.

Today, Cynethia brings that same spirit to the classroom and her instructional approach, guiding students as they learn techniques, bold flavors, and a commitment to inclusive hospitality. She finds deep joy in teaching others how to use food not just as nourishment, but as a way to welcome, connect, and celebrate. 

She’s proud to support STEP’s mission of opening doors for the next generation of culinary professionals, because she knows firsthand how a single opportunity to learn, serve, and share food can change everything.