Staff Spotlight: Ariana Carrera

Head of Food Services, Covenant House Illinois

Most days, Covenant House Illinois Lead Cook, Ariana Carrera, is exactly where you’d expect her to be: in the kitchen.

But recently, Ariana stepped out of the kitchen and into a different kind of spotlight — one that reflects how her work now reaches beyond meals to meaningful connection with the young people she serves.

“I’m usually not connecting in this way, or at this scale,” she said.

That humility is part of what makes Ariana so powerful. She understands her role not as a solo act, but as part of something much larger.

Growing up, the kitchen was a place of connection for Ariana, a space where people gathered, stories unfolded, and nourishment went far beyond what was on the plate. Those early experiences shaped the way she understands food today.

Food as the First Yes

When young people arrive at Covenant House, many come from places where choice was limited and trust was hard-earned. Food is often the first interaction. The first moment of care. The first yes.

Ariana approaches that moment with intention.

Nutrition matters—fueling growing bodies, supporting mental health, and restoring strength—but so does dignity. Meals are designed to be balanced, thoughtful, and responsive to a wide range of needs, including dietary restrictions, cultural preferences, and personal boundaries around food.

For Ariana, inclusivity isn’t an afterthought in the kitchen. It’s foundational.

Whether a young person needs halal options, vegetarian meals, allergy-safe choices, or simply food that feels familiar, Ariana works to ensure no one feels excluded at the table. Because nourishment should never come with conditions.

Listening First

What sets Ariana apart is how deeply she listens.

Youth voice plays a critical role in shaping the food program. Preferences are heard. Feedback is welcome. Curiosity is encouraged. Ariana understands that offering food with young people—not just to them—builds trust and autonomy.

For many youth, this may be the first time their opinions are asked for and respected in a space meant to support them. That matters.

“It’s bigger than just feeding people,” Ariana often reflects. “It’s about helping them feel seen.”

That belief shows up in the details, the way meals are presented, the consistency of care, and the respect woven into everyday routines.

Feeding More Than Hunger

Behind the scenes, Ariana’s days are filled by planning menus, managing logistics, coordinating supplies, and ensuring that hundreds of meals are prepared safely and thoughtfully. But the heart of her work lives in the quiet moments.

A young person trying something new. Someone coming back for seconds. A conversation sparked over a shared meal.

Those moments are reminders that food can be grounding, healing, and restorative. 

At Covenant House Illinois, Ariana’s kitchen is the place where stability begins and where young people are reminded, day after day, that they are worthy of care, consistency, and respect.

And sometimes, that reminder starts with something as simple, and as powerful, as a warm plate of food.