LaCretia Allen

She is a passionate pastry chef, educator, and entrepreneur with over two decades of experience in the culinary arts, baking, and business operations, currently serving as Pastry Chef and Owner of Cretia Cakes, a family-owned bakery specializing in Southern baked goods and custom wedding cakes. In this role, she manages all aspects of the bakery business, including budget management, inventory, customer service, vendor relations, and marketing. She also serves as Associate Professor at Ivy Tech Community College, where she has taught for over 11 years, sharing her expertise with the next generation of culinary and hospitality professionals. Her career includes serving as a Sales Auditor at JD Finish Line, where she investigated fraud inquiries and supported operational excellence. She is currently pursuing a Doctor of Philosophy in Urban Education at Indiana University School of Education and holds a Master's in Jurisprudence from Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law. She is recognized as a creative, resilient, and entrepreneurial leader who combines culinary artistry with business acumen, education, and a commitment to community and lifelong learning.