Jahweah Blyden was nominated by their colleague, Marisabel Wolfinger. View the nomination video here.
We are so thankful that Jahweah is a part of the OCPS Greater Orlando Area Food and Nutrition Services operations team. Not only is she one of the most dedicated and hard-working managers that I've worked with, but through her actions you can see how much she truly loves her job and cares deeply for the students of Orange County. Her steadfast commitment to excellence and outstanding work ethic are truly inspiring, not only to me (her manager) and her colleagues but also to her staff and all of the countless newly hired employees that she has trained over the years for the OCPS. Her continuous initiative to go above and beyond to support her fellow teammates is what sets her apart. She is the true definition of a team player. This nomination is a well-deserved recognition of Jahweah's outstanding contributions to all of the hundreds of students, employees, and colleagues that she has positively impacted and forever changed. Congratulations! Well Done!!
Congrats J! You are one of the most devoted and hardworking people I know! You do this all with a heart of laughter and a smile on your face!
Ms. Jay is a genuine and dedicated co-worker. She takes pride in her job and works well with the students and staff. She goes above and beyond to make sure everyone is taken care of, and always has a smile on her face. She's well deserving of any accolades she receives.
Congratulations to Ms. Jahweah Blyden on her well-deserved nomination! We are very proud to have her at Palmetto Elementary School. She serves our students with love and care. Her dedication inspires both students and staff. Thank you for your support!. Go for the win .
I have know Jahweah for over 20 years and I am proud to call her my friend. I met her working in food service and she is the epitome of service. Dedicated to her staff training and development was always important to her. Well organized, consistent with results and fair with her staff. There are many young adults that worked under Jahweah in the Orlando area that owe their success to her. She deserves this and I am truly proud of her.
I had a pleasure of meeting Jahweah When I became a Manager in greater Orlando . Jahweah gave a me great advice and a few helping pointers in my kitchen. Jahweah is a great inspiration to all food service managers, staff and community . From the time I've met Jahweah she has always gone above and beyond and keeps a smile on her face , This nomination is well deserved.
I have worked with Jaweah for over 10 years, and she is one of the most dedicated, honest, hard working and caring people I have ever know. Her dedication to the children at Palmetto Elm School goes above and beyond. During COVID, she played a crucial role assisting with preparing meals for distribution, which ensured that the students were still receiving the meals they needed while they were at home.
I wanted to take a moment to express my appreciation for Miss Blyden and the incredible work she does for our community. She is always excited to help, consistently giving 100% to our students and being a positive and powerful influence.
Her commitment not only uplifts our students but also inspires others in the community to engage and contribute. We are truly fortunate to have her with us.
I have know Ms. Blyden for many years as the cafeteria manager for Palmetto Elementary School. Ms. Blyden has always been a servant leader whose light continuously shines for, not only her cafeteria staff, but also the students she deeply cares for. Each year, I have witnessed her working diligently to build relationships with hundreds of students and she continues to foster these relationships throughout the years. Her continuous dedication and hard work has had a lasting impression on our school faculty and staff. It is common knowledge that if there is a need, Ms. Blyden is always ready to step in and help out our children in any way she can. There have been many occasions where I have seen her go above and beyond, even staying after hours to help with events involving our parents and community. I strongly believe Ms. Blyden’s unwavering commitment and love for our children is to be truly admired.
It is with great enthusiasm that I endorse Jahweah Blyden for the LifeChanger of the Year award. As the Kitchen Manager at Palmetto Elementary School in Orange County Public Schools, Jahweah has demonstrated unparalleled commitment to making a positive and lasting impact on the lives of students, faculty, and the broader school community.
Jahweah's dedication goes far beyond the management of the school’s kitchen; she plays an integral role in creating an atmosphere of care, respect, and support. Through her unwavering leadership, she has transformed the school’s dining program into a source of pride for students, staff, and families alike. Jahweah consistently goes above and beyond to ensure that every child receives not only nutritious meals, but also an experience that fosters inclusion and community. She has taken great strides to connect with students on a personal level, often taking extra time to engage with them and make sure they feel seen and valued.
Her leadership is marked by an exceptional ability to collaborate with staff, students, and parents, working tirelessly to ensure that the school's nutritional needs align with its educational goals.
Jahweah is a role model for professionalism, demonstrating a work ethic and a standard of excellence that inspires everyone around her. Whether it’s ensuring food safety and quality, leading training programs for her team, or managing the kitchen’s resources with efficiency, she does so with integrity and a commitment to excellence.
Jahweah’s influence reaches far beyond the kitchen. She consistently creates a nurturing environment that supports learning, ensuring that every meal contributes to the well-being of students, allowing them to focus on their studies and thrive academically. By maintaining a high standard of ethics and professionalism, Jahweah has earned the trust and admiration of her colleagues, students, and the entire school community.
Her commitment to fostering a culture of kindness, inclusivity, and excellence has greatly enhanced the school’s atmosphere, making it a more welcoming and positive place for all. Jahweah is the embodiment of what it means to be a LifeChanger—transforming lives through her work, leadership, and unwavering dedication to the students and staff she serves.
It is with great pride and admiration that I support the nomination of Jahweah Blyden for the LifeChanger of the Year award. She is truly a remarkable individual whose impact will be felt for years to come.
-Dr. Carrine V. M. Todman-Lewis, Business Strategist
I have had the pleasure of working with Jahweah for several years in food service, as well as outside of food service. I can say with certainty that she is most deserving of this nomination. She consistently demonstrates a positive attitude and works tirelessly to ensure that each of her students are served a quality, nutritious meal daily. She is a role model among her colleagues. She provides guidance and critique with a smile! I am proud and honored to work with her!
Ms. Blyden is genuinely a Life Changer! Her dedication and care for the Palmetto students and community go above and beyond. She doesn't just serve meals; she builds real, meaningful relationships with the students and staff, always taking the time to listen, encourage, and brighten their day. Whether it's remembering their favorite foods, offering a kind word, or simply making them feel seen and heard, her impact is felt by everyone. Ms. Blyden has also created a culture of positivity by offering incentives, rewarding good behavior, and celebrating student achievements, making sure every student feels motivated and appreciated. Her warmth and positivity create a safe, welcoming space where students not only feel nourished physically but emotionally supported as well. Thank you, Ms Blyden, for your unwavering commitment and for always going the extra mile to make a lasting distance!
I have known Jahweah at least ten years. She is great roll model for new employees and new Managers. She is very good at teaching new people properly. She is strict in policies and procedures but is also caring at the same. I know her to run of the cleanest and efficient kitchens.
She is passionate about her work and very responsible, she strives to make her operation run efficiently, she has a big heart for children. She is also a good working parner, she is always willing to help us. Thank you and good luck, you deserve it.
Jahweah Blyden exemplifies what it means to be a life changer. Through her unwavering dedication to feeding students, staff, and the community, Jahweah has transformed lives, alleviated hunger, and fostered a sense of care and belonging. Jahweah tireless efforts to ensure that no one goes without a meal have made her an indispensable part of our school and community.
For years, Jahweah has gone above and beyond her role as a Food Service Manager, becoming a beacon of hope for students, staff, and community members facing food insecurity. Whether through organizing meal programs, securing partnerships with local organizations, or personally ensuring meals are available during challenging times, Jahweah has and continues to demonstrate incredible leadership and compassion.
Jahweah is a great leader she goes above and beyond for her community. Her commitment and passion for her students its unbelievable she treat her students like her own. I am so proud to work with so passionate an outstanding person like her. Good luck
It is my honor to speak on behalf of Ms. Blyden. She has exceptional dedication, leadership, and care for all students/children. Every meal she serves comes with a smile and a personal touch that makes the cafeteria the heart of the school. She is commitment to excellence and a team player. She has created an environment where everyone feels welcome and students know she cares about them. Ms. Blyden has served on many committees and speaks openly about the importance of nutritious meals and ensuring all students have access to meals not only during the school week but also during the weekends. She not only speaks on the topic, she does the work!
Ms. Blyden is one of the most genuine caring people I know. She works hard to make sure all students have the food and nutrition needed to be healthy and to perform well in school.
Congratulations! Jahweah. I love how she goes above and beyond to decorate or dress up to make her students feel welcome. Jahweah is very passionate about her students and making sure they are fed quality meals. I appreciate all her help as I transitioned to the new area, she is definitely loaded with knowledge and expertise. She is very easy to communicate with and true example of a Leader. Jahweah deserves this nomination Good Luck!
I can’t say enough about how much I appreciate Ms. Blyden and her dedication to ensuring our students are served healthy meals each day, creating a positive workplace, and working alongside the school staff and administration to meet the needs of all children. She is truly a blessing to Palmetto Elementary, and a joy to work with. Ms. Blyden defines what it means to be a leader through her daily interactions with the faculty and staff at Palmetto Elementary. The employees that work with her always have a smile on their faces. That says so much about the positive impact she has daily in her work. When I began my time at Palmetto, she was one of the very first people to greet me. She came to my office and let me know that we were going to become fast friends. I am truly grateful for her support, collaboration and friendship. Ms. Blyden is extremely deserving of this award. It is a privilege to work with her this year!
Jahweah Blyden is one of the most deserving people to get this nomination. She always smiles as she continues assisting our school's food and nutrition services to excel to heights never reached. Congratulations on a job well done
Jahweah Blyden is Impeccable, and Inspiring dedicated Woman whose shows so much Loyalty and goes above and beyond for the students, staff, and her employees and other managers of Orange County Public School.
She is currently the dual Manager at Palmetto Elementary and Washington shores Early learning Center.
To know her is to love her as she shows daily to others.
Thank you, Jahweah for all that you do!
Meet Jahweah, a remarkable individual whose mere presence inspires those around her. With an unwavering readiness to lend a helping hand, Jahweah embodies the essence of a true leader. She has an innate ability to motivate and uplift others, always encouraging her peers to reach their fullest potential. Jahweah's genuine love for children shines through in her every interaction, as she devotes time to nurture and guide young minds with compassion and enthusiasm. Continuously going above and beyond, Jahweah never settles for mediocrity; her commitment to excellence sets a shining example for all who cross her path. Her dedication, empathy, and unwavering support make her an invaluable asset to any community.
Since meeting Ms. Blyden, I observed her interaction with the students, her staff and other colleagues. She shows respect for all. It also intrigues me that she does not care about your socio-economic status, she treats everyone with the same love and compassion that all people deserve. Thank you for making me, the students and the Palmetto staff feel loved and cared for while happily serving over a thousand students.
Mrs. Blyden is an amazing person and an amazing manager at Palmetto E.S. She cares about every single student here. She is very dedicated and professional in all she does. It's a pleasure to work with such amazing person. She deserves all the good stuff. Congratulations for this nomination.
I first met Jahweah 13 years ago and she was full of energy. When it comes to the kids they are number one to her specially when it comes to special diets. Every time i am at her school she goes out of her way to make sure that the special diet meal are done and really make sure the the kids get what they need. There is always a smile on the children faces when the see her they light up with excitement when she is talking to them during meals .She is a sprit to her staff the school and the community.
Inspiring, compassionate, influential, and respected are some of the words that I would use to describe Jahweah. I have been blessed to see the impact she has had in not just her students, her staff, but everyone that crosses paths with her. Jahweah has always gone above and beyond to make sure her students are taken care of and to ensure, that they come first always. A great leader inspires everyone around them and that is what she does. Good luck Jahweah this is well deserved and you deserve nothing but the best.
Blyden truly deserves this award for her unwavering dedication to our students’ well-being and success. Through her thoughtful and carefully prepared meals, she ensured that every student started their day nourished and ready to excel in the classroom. Beyond providing hot meals, Blyden introduced our students to a variety of foods they might not otherwise have experienced, broadening their horizons and fostering a sense of care and inclusion. Her commitment and love are evident in every meal she served, making her an indispensable part of our community.
Ms. Blades cares about every student that walks through the doors of the school (even on the weekends). Her hard work and dedication is unparalleled. She serves her community with heart and goes above and beyond for them. Working with her has always been a pleasure and her staff and colleagues would agree! She is an excellent choice!
Ms. Jahweah is a wonderful person I am the teacher from discover my student look forward to seeing her in the morning ,I look forward to seeing her as well .The students know her as Ms Jay.In the morning the students love telling her what happen the day before as she interacts with them .Ms Jay listens attentively.The little things makes a difference in their lives .
During my five-years in working with Ms. Blyden, I have witnessed her unwavering dedication to her profession. She invests considerable passion and effort into her responsibilities, which is evident in the strong, enduring connections she has fostered with both students and colleagues. Ms. Blyden is attentive to the dietary needs of each child, ensuring that all students receive appropriate nourishment. Furthermore, she consistently exceeds expectations by organizing food drives and supporting initiatives such as Toys for Tots. Ms. Blyden possesses a genuine passion for nurturing children, and she makes it a priority that each child who enters her cafeteria experiences a sense of warmth, affection, and encouragement. Her genuine concern for the well-being of children is truly commendable.
Ms. Blyden is an amazing Food Service Manager at Palmetto Elementary. She loves working with her staff and our students. She has incorporated many interactive moments for students to get excited about school lunch. She has built a rapport with the students and ask them how they feel when given a new recipe their thoughts on it and any suggestions they have. That gives students buy in to feel that they have contributed to the menu.
I first met Jahweah over 8 years ago when I first began my own career with OCPS, and it was immediately apparent how much she cares about her community. From her diligence and passionate work in ensuring all of her students are fed with care and kindness, to her committed and earnest efforts to support FNS employees growing at all levels; Jahweah exemplifies everything that makes our organization great. She truly is a person who has a positive impact on everyone around her, and is a true LifeChanger in her community.
We are beyond proud of Ms. Blyden, a true LifeChanger who fills our students’ hearts with kindness and their bellies with love. Her dedication, warmth, and tireless effort make every day brighter for our school!
I have known Jahweah for over 20 years. Jahweah is a great mentor and friend. I am honored to have a friend like her. She has always gone above and beyond on whatever she sets her heart on, because of her vision the FNS association gives scholarships for college. When you know of a need you can always count on Jahweah's help.
Mrs. Blyden is such an integral part of the Palmetto family. She ensures goals with outreach are met and that our students are fed, valued and loved. Our school is so lucky to have her!
Ms. Jahweah is a true embodiment of what it means to be a Life Changer and make a difference. Her unwavering dedication, compassion, and impact have transformed many young lives! She continues to inspire everyone she meets, including me!
Congratulations on your nomination, Ms. J!
I had the pleasure of working with Ms. Burden for many years at Palmetto. She is one of the most dedicated staff members I have seen. She takes pride in her job and wants all of her staff to be proud of what they do as well. She always works with the students' best interests in mind. Any time that I would ask her for something that went above and beyond her normal duties, she was always willing to jump in and help. Jahweah is a great representative for not only Palmetto Elementary, but all of OCPS.
This is amazing Jahweah! Congratulations on a very well deserved nomination, recognizing your amazing talents. Go for the win we are so proud of you!
Jahweah has been Such an inspiration to so many people and I’m one of those PEOPLE. She’s always willing to step in and help other’s at any time. She’s the epitome of dedication and Hard Work and a Wonderful Part of the FNS Family. Jahweah we are so PROUD OF YOU. Keep up the amazing work and know you’re making a difference.
Congratulations Friend and Well Deserved…….
I first became acquainted with Ms. Blyden at Palmetto Elementary School. She served as my training manager with Food and Nutrition Services. One of the first things Ms. Blyden said to me was; "Nothing in this kitchen takes precedence over the kids. They are the most important part of what we do. Without them we would not be here and you HAVE to treat them as such". This meant
- making sure the food was on the line before the students came in
- ensuring that every student from the first to the last had access to everything on the menu that day
- All food items on the line were of the best quality.
But, the number one thing on her list was to make sure that every child felt welcomed, appreciated and loved. She has a heart for the children here and always goes above and beyond for them. I thought that dedication was only because she was passionate about her job but I learned that she has a heart for people in general. When I asked her to donate to a toy and food drive that I was hosting for my non profit not only did she donate, she showed up at my house on Christmas to help prepare the meals and went with my team to distribute food and toys to families in need. In life we see beautiful roses and admire them without any credit going to the gardener, Jahweah Blyden is a talented and passionate gardener who has brought forth some beautiful flowers in the form of her staff, colleagues and most importantly the students she served. I love her deeply and no one deserves this award more than her.
I’ve know Jahweah for a long time and especially in her role has a cafe manager and my peer. Jahweah has shown laser focus taking care of the children. She is dedicated to the children she serves every day. She will go out of her way to help any student that needs help.
There is not a lot of opportunity to explain on a comment, and attempts to describe Jahweah Blyden However, Some power words that I can highlight her leadership include "led," "managed," "directed," "coordinated," "mentored," an evaluation of her employee's efforts to further their professional development and growth, such as taking on new responsibilities, seeking additional training and development opportunities, and seeking feedback from others.
Jahweah your positivity really helps boost morale around FNS and ensures the team feels recognized for our successes. I wanted you to know what an impact this has on our team overall.
Thank you and Good Luck!
I worked with Ms. Blyden for 4 years. Ms. Blyden is a passionate and motivated Food Service Manager that goes above and beyond. You can’t help but to be influenced by her passion and dedication! Ms. Blyden truly loves her students, any and every opportunity that comes up where she can help her students and the community she is there. Ms.Blyden and her team make it a priority to insure that every student feels welcomed, loved and appreciated. Ms. Blyden and her team love decorating their cafeteria to keep the students excited and surprised when entering the Cafeteria. Ms. Blyden taught me that we don’t only run a kitchen but we also impact little hearts and that our job has a huge impact in children’s lives. Thanks to Ms. Blyden I am now managing my own Kitchen with the passion, dedication, and love I learned from her. Thank you Ms. Blyden for all you do and the love you give to the students at Palmetto Elementary School.
Ms. Jahweah Blyden has been a role model for me has a new manager she's a great teacher and also a great listener
she have help me with different problem that I have encountered. Thank you Jahweah!!
Jahweah is very passionate about the students making sure on a daily base the students gets what they need .....
