Alumni, Culinary Kitchen, Student Life

A Sweet Pursuit of Lifelong Learning

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NCC alumna Winde Jackson (right) with cake designer Wayne Steinkopf

Nash Community College alumna Winde Jackson has made a commitment to lifelong learning. She earned Associate in Applied Science degrees from Nash Community College in Networking Technology and Computer Information Systems Technology. Later she graduated from East Carolina University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Hospitality Management with a concentration in Food and Beverage, and a minor in Business Administration. Jackson is currently enrolled in Nash Community College’s Culinary Arts degree program.

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Cake design by NCC alumna Winde Jackson featuring two cake lace mats developed by Claire Bowman

She recently attended a class taught by Wayne Steinkopf, owner of Swank Cake Design in Cary, NC, to advance her skills in cake design. “The cake I made features one of the newest design trends using two cake lace mats developed by Claire Bowman,” Jackson said. Steinkopf teaches classes throughout the United States at cake shows, conventions and other locations, sharing best practices and teaching bakers the latest techniques and trends. “I just don’t feel like in this field you can ever stop learning,” she said.

When she is not in the classroom, Winde Jackson is the baker at Lou Reda’s: an American Table. She also creates delicious treats for local weddings, parties and other celebrations through her baking business, and assists with baking at Rose Hill Plantation in Nashville, NC during banquets. “I am blessed and very fortunate that Nash has such great chefs and instructors. They are really great at answering and explaining and being there outside of class time when you have questions and problems.” Jackson is currently seeking an investor as she hopes to own a full bakery in Rocky Mount one day.