Alumni Spotlight: Chef Maria Mastrangelo
Congratulations to CENET alumnus, Chef Mastrangelo, on the opening of her restaurant Ambrosia on April 15!
In 2012, Maria Mastrangelo participated in the J-1 trainee program in New York City. Since her program’s completion, she has returned to Italy, where she is now achieving her dream of opening her own restaurant.
Recently, CENET was able to catch up with Chef Mastrangelo; she shared feedback about her J-1 cultural exchange program and its impact on her career.
I participated in a J-1 program because I already had a Master’s degree in hospitality and coming to the USA gave me an opportunity to grow. The program improved my knowledge and opened my mind more than any book or school. I see cultural exchanges as fundamental for growth. Participating in my program improved my perception of the U.S. and its people. It was a dream and an opportunity to live the U.S. way of life. I had chances to speak to friends and colleagues about my culture and different possibilities in life and career.
I am opening a restaurant in Italy thanks to my CENET J-1 program which improved my skills and now I am called Chef.
– CHEF Mastrangelo, J-1 Program Alumnus
You can check out the Ambrosia website here.
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