First female Certified Executive Chef in the U.P.
“I’ve really broken that glass ceiling and I hope to see more women continue to grow in our industry.”
MARQUETTE — After years of hard work, one local woman has reached a big landmark in her career and she’s the first woman in the area to do so.
Nichole Durley-Rust became the first female Certified Executive Chef in the Upper Peninsula on Monday. Durley-Rust works as the Chef day Cuisine at Lagniappe Cajun Creole Eatery. In order to become a Certified Executive Chef, she had to have experience managing at least five people for five years then pass written and practical exams. But Durley-Rust says it was more than worth the effort and she hopes to see others follow in her footsteps.
“Becoming the first Certified Executive Chef here in the Upper Peninsula, I’ve really broken that glass ceiling and I hope to see more women continue to grow in our industry, and I look forward to working with them,” Durley-Rush said. “I also think that Lagniappe continues to push the bar in the culinary food scene.”
The next step for Durley-Rust could be becoming a Certified Master Chef. She says currently there are only about 75 of them in the entire country. Her advice for anyone looking to get into the industry is focus, work on your skills, and listen to your mentors. Lagniappe Cajun Creole Eatery is located in downtown Marquette.