Ivan Studied graphic design in Chicago and worked in various jobs in the service industry. After 10 years of experience, he came back to Colombia and joined the culinary arts program in Gato Dumas Escuela de Cocineros in Bogota. He then worked with Leo Katz in his 30 restaurants as a Director of Operations. After graduation, he returned to Barranquilla where he opened his restaurants Bistro 51 and Lumberjack’s Cast Iron Burgers.
He is currently chef of the gastronomical club, Casa Tua.
What is your greatest professional or personal achievement to date?
I was invited by the Colombian embassy in Azerbaijan to cook for 300 guests in the city of Baku.
How did KCP prepare you for your career?
It gave me fluent English and great verbal skills. Alvaro Diaz, my Spanish teacher taught me how to write an essay and talk in public with authority.
Why are you proud to be KCP?
I am proud to be KCP because I am proud to be part of the best school on the Atlantic coast of Colombia.
People like Hectalina Donado and Alvaro Diaz changed my life forever and left in me a great legacy and made me a better person. Thank you very much, I will never forget you!
What advice would you give KCP students?
Work hard on your verbal skills and try your best to learn the best English you can possibly can.
Click here to learn more about Ivan´s volunteer work in Syria with the World Central Kitchen:
