Andrew Briggs
Catering Coordinator , Kneaded Bakery / Rebekah Children ' s Services
Andrew Briggs leads with wisdom beyond his years .
The 21-year old Gavilan College economics and business undergraduate is the full-time catering coordinator at Rebekah Children ’ s Services ( RCS ) Kneaded Bakery . Through hard work and maturity , he has earned his way into roles of responsibility and influence in a few short years .
Born in San Jose , his favorite memories are as a child living in San Juan Bautista , where his parents walked him to school and to the ice cream shop on Saturdays . The family moved to Gilroy , where he attended Rod Kelly Elementary , Brownell Middle School , and Gilroy High .
At Gilroy High , Andrew met Chef Carlos Pineda . He enrolled in Pineda ’ s Culinary Academy , graduating in 2015 . He began working for Kneaded Bakery , soon becoming production lead . After a stint at Cordevalle as prep cook , banquet cook , and garde manager , Andrew returned to Kneaded Bakery in 2017 . He was soon promoted to his current position . His duties include assisting with daily operations , managing client support , and developing and maintaining partner relationships for the flourishing enterprise .
A Sunrise Gilroy Rotarian since the age of 19 , Andrew is active in the club ’ s community projects and serves on the scholarship and fundraising committees . He is a 2020 graduate of Leadership Gilroy – helping to raise over
$ 40,000 dollars for local charities impacted when the Garlic Festival was cancelled due to the uncertainties of COVID-19 . Andrew holds the program close to his heart . “ I could never properly repay them for everything I ’ ve learned through the program .” He says .
Through Kneaded Bakery Andrew works with Gilroy Chamber of Commerce , the Epilepsy Foundation of Northern CA , and several school districts . He serves as mentor to Academy students and apprentices at Kneaded Bakery . In addition to his undergraduate work , he is completing an English as a foreign language course to teach online English courses .
Andrew attributes his personal leadership and maturity to his mother . “ She instilled in us religious values like kindness and patience .” He says . “ We learned value-based principles . She gave us a moral compass .” Andrew ’ s future includes providing more nurturing learning environments where young people can reach for the stars . “ Education can empower people . Reading and writing skills are critical for people to educate themselves . He says . “ The more you know , the more you can adapt and not be slowed down by circumstance ” You did well , Mrs . Briggs .
Andrew ’ s parents and two brothers live in Gilroy . He loves reading , cooking and wood working .
GILROY • MORGAN HILL • SAN MARTIN WINTER 2021 gmhtoday . com
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