Dallas College

Student Experience: Loren Wesley

“I started cooking at the age of 12 and ever since have known I wanted to be a chef. I completed an internship at the Hyatt Regency Dallas while in high school, received an associate degree in Culinary Arts from El Centro and then earned a bachelor’s degree in hotel restaurant management from the Conrad N. Hilton College of Hotel Restaurant Management at the University of Houston. I hope to become a food and beverage director for a major hotel chain and one day own my own restaurant.”

  After graduating from Duncanville High School in 2005, Loren earned an associate degree in Culinary Arts from El Centro in the spring of 2008. Her first professional cooking job was at Hilton Garden Inn as a breakfast and banquet cook. After graduating from El Centro, she served as pastry chef at Wolfgang Puck Catering and Events in Dallas. Loren is currently the assistant banquet manager at the Hyatt Regency in downtown Houston.


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Ngoc Trinh

Ngoc Trinh

Research Product Development Chef PepsiCo Global Foods and Frito Lay North America
“The culinary program had a blend of professors, ranging from those with decades of experience in the industry to military backgrounds to science backgrounds. They had such a wealth of knowledge, which really translated for me into this deep knowledge for foods and flavors and science. If I had not pursued this education, I wouldn’t be where I am today.”
Culinary and Pastry Arts

Pat Sykes

Director H&R Block Premium
“The on-the-job applications drew the positive attention of my boss and enhanced my performance in the workplace. The Management Program helped develop the skill sets necessary to lead and coach others.”
Business and Management
Tamera Nalls

Tamera Nalls

Real Estate Professional Keller Williams Urban Dallas/Keller Williams Luxury International
“The Dallas College Real Estate program prepared me for real-life work because the faculty are all industry professionals. They did not just talk; they all walked the walk.”
Real Estate
Josephine Maduagwu

Josephine Maduagwu

Real Estate Broker John Rob Real Estate Group
“As a student, being able to have access to professors who were knowledgeable and actually worked in the field was a rewarding experience in many ways. The opportunity to work alongside classmates and/or adjunct faculty was the best part of the Dallas College experience.”
Real Estate
Loren Wesley
Loren Wesley
Assistant Event Services Manager, Hyatt Regency Houston
Culinary and Pastry Arts
School of Business, Hospitality and Global Trade
Updated September 10, 2026