From Kitchen to Classroom

Ethan Watters | June 30, 2025

The Hormel Foods Inspired Pathways program changed this family’s future

Through its Inspired Pathways program, Hormel Foods provides free community college and one-on-one college advising for all children of its team members.

When Erika Chieca steps into Disney World’s bustling kitchens this August as part of her culinary externship, she’ll be building on a passion that began years ago at her father’s side. “My dad is a chef, and I had always thought his career was really cool,” Erika explains. “We always cooked together, and I always helped him in the kitchen at home.”

Her father, Erich Chieca, Culinary Collective lead at Hormel Foods, couldn’t be prouder of his daughter and her journey. “Through this whole process, she’s been kind of my mini-me, so to speak,” Erich says with evident pride. “She loved being in the kitchen. From an early age, she had an interest.”

“She loved being in the kitchen. From an early age, she had an interest.”
Erich Chieca, Culinary Collective Lead at Hormel Foods

While her dad was her inspiration, her burgeoning career was bolstered through the Hormel Foods Inspired Pathways scholarship program. When Erika was considering her post–high school options, her father learned that Hormel Foods had a program to pay for two-year community college degrees for the children of all team members. The timing couldn’t have been better.

For Erika, the program was a game-changer. “When I found out about Inspired Pathways, I just thought it was a great opportunity, both for myself and other students. College is expensive, so it was a big help for me.”

At just 19, Erika has already completed her culinary degree at Schoolcraft College in Livonia, Michigan, where she was trained in various aspects of foodservice — from pastry and baking to line cooking, purchasing and cost control. This well-rounded culinary education helped her secure a coveted externship at Disney World.

“When I found out about Inspired Pathways, I just thought it was a great opportunity, both for myself and other students. College is expensive, so it was a big help for me.”
Erika Chieca, Inspired Pathways Recipient

“They do internal interviews, so they have scouts come from the internship and interview on-site at the school,” Erika explains, “which was a super easy process. I heard back two days later that I got accepted into the program.”

The Disney opportunity seems tailor-made for Erika, who comes from a family of Disney enthusiasts. Her older sister works in entertainment at Universal Parks and has also performed in Disney parades. While Erika won’t know her exact placement until about three weeks before her August start date, she’s excited about the possibilities.

“They have so many different forms of restaurants, whether it’s higher-end or even quick service,” she says. “Wherever I’m placed, I know it’s going to be a great experience.”

“I would love to own my own business — a restaurant or even a coffee shop with a café kind of vibe.”
Erika Chieca, Inspired Pathways Recipient

Despite her youth, Erika already has a vision for her career path. “I think ultimately the business side. I would love to own my own business — a restaurant or even a coffee shop with a café kind of vibe.” Erika plans to apply to the University of Central Florida to pursue a bachelor’s degree in business, finance, marketing or hospitality management.

Community College: A Strategic Path

Erich is a passionate advocate for community college education, particularly in specialized fields like culinary arts. He graduated from Oakland Community College in Michigan, which he credits for providing the foundation of his successful career.

Erich Chieca, Culinary Collective Lead at Hormel Foods, plating for an event.

“I would not be the chef I am today without having that type of training where you were learning how to run a restaurant operation,” he says. He frequently advises aspiring culinary professionals to consider community college before investing in more expensive institutions. Erich notes that taking on massive student loans for culinary education can be financially devastating. “Even though chefs today are making more than ever, it still doesn’t matter. If you’re taking on $100k in debt, you’ll pay it back sooner or later—or, with interest, it could end up costing you double.”

A Benefit That Builds Loyalty

“Inspired Pathways is a fantastic employee benefit,” Erich says. “It doesn’t matter whether you’re the CEO or you’re the guy on the line in the plant. If you have dependents thinking about going to school, my first conversation with them would be, ‘Hey, you need to look at the Inspired Pathways program.’”

“A two-year degree can be a game changer for someone — it can be a springboard to a four-year university, or a solid foundation for entering a skilled trade. Either way, it opens doors.”
Erich Chieca, Culinary Collective Lead at Hormel Foods

For many families, particularly those where no one has previously attended college, the program can be transformative. “A two-year degree can be a game changer for someone — it can be a springboard to a four-year university, or a solid foundation for entering a skilled trade,” Erich notes. “Either way, it opens doors.”

As Erika prepares for her Disney externship and considers her future business aspirations, she represents exactly what the Inspired Pathways program was designed to achieve — opening doors for the next generation of professionals while strengthening employee commitment to Hormel Foods. For the Chiecas, the kitchen remains the heart of family connection and professional aspiration — a legacy now extending to a new generation, supported by an employer who understands that investing in the children of employees builds a stronger future for everyone.

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