Bridging language and workforce development
English for Food Industry Workers
To address an English language proficiency gap among food and beverage employees, a large percentage of whom are immigrants, our Language Outreach Program (LOP), in partnership with Marriott Hotels, developed an industry-specific English pilot class for current and prospective food and beverage workers.
Reach staff, including the Managing Director, the LOP Director, and an LOP teacher, worked alongside leaders from five local Marriott hotels to create a curriculum that begins with workplace fundamentals and later covers kitchen safety, shift preparation, teamwork, problem solving, measurements, and other work-related subject matter.
The initial pilot class launched in October 2026, with 15 students taking part, including multiple Marriott employees.
Those who complete the class will receive certificates of success that will help them secure positions or advance in positions at restaurants, hotels, or catering companies. In January 2027, the Reach and Marriott teams will meet to evaluate the class, propose any necessary changes, and determine whether a more advanced class should be created.
Why it matters
The Real Life Impact
Expanded Workforce Opportunities
The class prepares both current and prospective workers for success in restaurants, hotels, catering services, and other hospitality settings, strengthening the local workforce pipeline.
Higher Earning Potential
Improved workplace communication helps workers access better positions, increased hours, and higher wages, supporting greater financial stability for themselves and their families.
Career Advancement Opportunities
Participants gain the job-specific English skills needed to communicate confidently, take on greater responsibilities, and qualify for promotions within the food and beverage industry.
A Model for Industry-Specific Learning
Developed in partnership with Marriott Hotels, this curriculum demonstrates how targeted workplace English instruction can meet employer needs while helping immigrants achieve economic mobility and long-term success.
Stronger Team Communication
Employees learn the language needed to collaborate with coworkers and supervisors, creating more efficient, productive, and supportive work environments.
Safer, More Effective Workplaces
Training in industry vocabulary, kitchen safety, measurements, procedures, and problem-solving helps reduce misunderstandings and improves day-to-day workplace performance.
Project Team
Cecilia Rojas
LOP Director
Lisa Gumbs
Class instructor
Lisa Gumbs is an educator with 25 years of teaching experience, working with students from early childhood through adult education. She currently teaches English as a Second Language at the college level and has played a key role in developing the curriculum and instructional materials for a new Food & Beverage ESL pilot program. As the program's lead instructor, she helps adult English learners build practical workplace communication skills and confidence for careers in food service and hospitality.
Lisa believes that effective teaching begins with understanding each student’s unique background, experiences, and goals. She strives to create a welcoming and supportive classroom environment where students feel comfortable asking questions, making mistakes, and learning from one another.
Through her work in ESL education, Lisa is dedicated to helping adult learners overcome language barriers, discover their potential, and become more confident in their everyday lives and workplaces.
Dupree Braswell
Director of Restaurant Operations,
Marriott Bethesda Downtown at Marriott HQ
Laura Jennings
Director of Human Resources,
Marriott Bethesda Downtown at Marriott HQ
Chef John Santucci
Executive Chef,
Bethesda North Marriott Hotel and Conference Center
Laura Simpson
Executive Chef,
Marriott Bethesda Downtown at Marriott HQ
Our Partner
For more information about becoming a founding member, contact Reach’s development team at:
Marriott
president, adventist healthcare Shady Grove Medical Center
Daniel Cochran
“Adventist HealthCare Shady Grove Medical Center is proud to support MKHC in their mission to provide culturally appropriate, comprehensive healthcare to our community's diverse populations. With their new location near Shady Grove Medical Center, we look forward to deepening our partnership, ensuring that all patients, especially those facing language and financial barriers, receive the care they need to thrive.”
About Adventist HealthCare
Adventist HealthCare, based in Gaithersburg, Maryland, is one of the longest-serving health systems in the Washington, DC, region, and one of the largest employers in Maryland. It includes Shady Grove Medical Center, White Oak Medical Center, Fort Washington Medical Center, Adventist HealthCare Rehabilitation, Home Care Services, and Adventist Medical Group and Imaging. As a faith-based, nonprofit organization, Adventist HealthCare’s mission is to extend God’s care through the ministry of physical, mental, and spiritual healing. Its team of approximately 10,000 dedicated professionals work together each day to be the trusted choice for exceptional care by providing compassionate, high-quality care to improve health and total well-being.
Community Reach of Montgomery County
Mansfield Kaseman Health Clinic
Our Services
Mansfield Kaseman Health Clinic (MKHC)