Bettina Evans

I attribute my success to resilience, determination, adaptability, grit, and unwavering faith. I am especially proud of my role as a Culinary Arts Instructor at the Taylor Career and Technology Center in Beaumont ISD, where I lead a four-year food service program and empower high school students through the love of cooking, fulfilling my lifelong passion for both education and culinary arts. My calling was shaped early in life by watching my grandmother cook in her Galveston boarding house kitchen, learning baking through Girl Scouts, and being inspired by my mother’s career as a teacher, which naturally led me to “teach” even as a child. I also gained firsthand entrepreneurial experience as the owner of Bettina’s Soulfood Kitchen and a catering business, both of which strengthened my perseverance through challenges. Across every stage of my journey, I have remained committed to pushing forward with faith and purpose, believing that true success comes from persistence and a heart for service.

The best career advice I ever received came unexpectedly from a customer at my restaurant who noticed the stress I was carrying and gave me the book Failing Forward. That recommendation became a turning point for me, as it inspired me to never give up and reshaped how I view challenges and setbacks. It taught me to embrace the process of success and recognize that failure can be an important part of growth and transformation. Most importantly, it showed me how and when to pivot, adapt, and keep moving forward with resilience and purpose.

I would advise young women entering my industry to follow their passion and pursue work that truly brings them joy and fulfillment. I often remind my own daughter that if you are unhappy with what you are doing, it becomes difficult to sustain long-term happiness and purpose. I also believe that where you begin does not have to define where you end, as growth, change, and new opportunities are always possible. Most importantly, I encourage young women to believe in themselves, stay open to the journey ahead, and remember that the possibilities are truly endless when they do.

I believe one of the biggest challenges in the culinary industry is that entry-level positions may not offer the strongest pay at the start. However, I see tremendous opportunities for growth through internships, culinary school, entrepreneurship, and teaching. I encourage individuals to remain patient and committed to building their skills and experience over time. With passion, persistence, and dedication, I believe this industry can lead to a highly successful and deeply rewarding career.

I am deeply grounded in my faith and prioritize my commitment to family above all else. The values that guide both my personal and professional life include empathy, adaptability, inclusivity, respect, education, equity, reliability, and unwavering commitment. Service has always been at the center of my journey, shaping the way I lead, teach, and connect with others. From my work as an Education Specialist at IEA Ben’s Kids and as an Inclusion Teacher and Dyslexia Specialist, to owning a catering business and soul food restaurant for many years, I have dedicated my life to uplifting and supporting others. I believe true success comes from serving with compassion, dignity, and purpose while creating environments where everyone feels valued and supported. Through faith, resilience, and a heart for service, I strive to inspire others and demonstrate that meaningful impact begins with love, commitment, and a willingness to give back.