I joined The Oxford Trust as a chef in July 2021 and I’m now the Café Manager at the Wood Centre for Innovation. Cooking has been my passion since I was a child. It’s in my blood. My grandfather was a professional chef and my parents also encouraged me from a young age to pursue my passion, as they knew it would bring me many opportunities.

I am originally from Albania, but grew up in the beautiful region of Umbria in Italy after my family moved there when I was a child. I moved to Oxford three years ago, having visited family here regularly for many years. I trained professionally as a chef and spent five years at culinary school in Assisi in Italy. I love homestyle Italian food, and this is reflected in the food I prepare for the café here at the Centre. Italian food is fresh, full of flavour, simple, and all about joy!

I love my work here with The Oxford Trust. Cooking for the people at the Centre is like cooking for my family – I like to make them happy with my food every day!

Outside of my work, I spend as much time as possible with my children and family. I also love to travel. On top of the countries I have lived in, I have been to Mexico, Egypt, and across Europe, and hope to travel more in the future.