Cherrelle Rowland

Catering & Events Manager / Hospitality Instructor

A Hartford native, Cherrelle developed a passion for the culinary arts early on. After completing a culinary certification at Lincoln Culinary Institute, she gained experience working in a variety of fine dining kitchens, building a strong foundation across all areas of the line, including pantry, sauté, grill/broil, pasta, and baking. Over time, she advanced into a Sous Chef role, continuing to refine both technical skills and leadership in the kitchen.

After several years, she made the decision to return to the line as a broil cook while pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Business Management at Albertus College. With a deeper understanding of both culinary operations and business strategy, she now brings a well-rounded perspective to the industry.

She joined Fire By Forge as an Assistant Manager, where she continued to grow her leadership skills and deepen her connection to the organization’s mission. Today, she serves as Catering & Events Manager and Hospitality Instructor, leading catering and event operations while working closely with trainees to build confidence, develop hospitality skills, and prepare for careers in the industry.

With a background that blends hands-on kitchen experience and business management, Cherrelle is committed to helping Forge City Works continue to grow while creating meaningful experiences for both guests and team members.