Running Rebels x UpStart Kitchen: Real Food, Real Skills

Youth from Running Rebels’ Credible Messengers program recently had the chance to step into the kitchen with Upstart Kitchen Food Entrepreneur LaMond Ward, owner of Monie’s Kitchen and 919 Street Faves food truck. This event was the Milwaukee County/ Running Rebels: presents the Culinary Arts Class Collab. Together, they prepared a flavorful rice bowl and learned firsthand what it takes to create, cook, and lead with purpose.

This experience was hosted at UpStart Kitchen, a Milwaukee-based incubator that supports local food entrepreneurs. UpStart Kitchen provides affordable access to a fully licensed commercial kitchen, along with business coaching, mentorship, and community connections to help food businesses launch and grow.

UpStart is committed to community impact. By partnering with organizations like Running Rebels, we aim to create meaningful opportunities for youth to learn new skills, build relationships, and see what’s possible through entrepreneurship and hard work.

This collaboration brought together food, mentorship, and community in a way that’s helping to shape brighter futures for Milwaukee youth.

Running Rebels Youth with Program Manager Portia Whipps (center) and Upstart Kitchen Food Entreprenuer LaMond Ward (far right).

Cooking with Purpose: Youth Share Takeaways from the Kitchen