Roots and Branches JJC Alumni Podcast

In this episode of the JJC Alumni Podcast, host Jen Davis sits down with Javier Reyes, culinary arts purchasing specialist and adjunct instructor, to share his inspiring journey from Mexico to Joliet in pursuit of a culinary education that grew into a thriving career at JJC. Javier talks about becoming the student commencement speaker, stepping into a purchasing role that expanded into full‑time work supporting seven chefs across 11 kitchens, and earning recognition as the 2025 Adjunct of the Year. He also recounts his experiences on Butterball’s Turkey Talk‑Line, including appearances on Good Morning America and in a New York Times video filmed at JJC. The episode highlights campus events like Wandering Feast and Empty Bowls, and Javier closes with simple but powerful advice for students: stay open to opportunities—you never know where they’ll lead.

Creators and Guests

Host
Jen Davis
Jen Davis currently serves as the Director of Institutional Advancement and Alumni Relations at Joliet Junior College. A former English instructor, she has spent more than two decades in higher education, supporting students at various stages of their academic and professional journeys. In her leadership role, Jen oversees initiatives that strengthen connections between JJC and its alumni, fostering engagement and building lasting relationships. Her responsibilities include strategic planning for alumni outreach, organizing small and large-scale events, managing annual giving campaigns, and collaborating across departments to create meaningful opportunities for alumni involvement.
Producer
Amanda Quinn
Amanda Quinn serves as the Executive Director of the Joliet Junior College Foundation and Executive Director of Institutional Advancement, a role she assumed in January 2026. Throughout her career at JJC, she has held several key positions including Grant Writer, Annual Giving and Alumni Relations Manager, and Director of Institutional Advancement, giving her a deep understanding of the college’s philanthropic priorities and partnerships. With more than 15 years of experience in fundraising, communications, and marketing, Amanda leads philanthropic engagement strategies that advance student success. Her strategic vision, strong donor relationships, and commitment to JJC’s mission continue to drive the college’s growth and impact.
Guest
Javier Reyes
Javier Reyes is the Culinary Arts Purchasing Specialist and an Adjunct Instructor at Joliet Junior College, where he supports the daily operations of the college’s teaching kitchens and provides students with hands‑on, industry‑grounded instruction. He manages vendor relationships, product sourcing, and inventory for the Culinary Arts program, ensuring students work with high‑quality, professional‑grade ingredients. In addition to his work at JJC, Reyes is a long‑serving expert for the Butterball Turkey Talk‑Line, helping home cooks nationwide navigate holiday meal preparation. His expertise has earned national attention, including appearances on Good Morning America and features in The New York Times highlighting his work with the hotline. Dedicated to both culinary excellence and student success, Reyes blends industry insight, mentorship, and a passion for food to support the next generation of culinary professionals.

What is Roots and Branches JJC Alumni Podcast?

Welcome to the Roots and Branches JJC Alumni Podcast!

As the nation’s first community college, Joliet Junior College has played a key role in shaping America’s higher education system. Our rich and beautiful history reaches more than a century into the past, forever connecting generations of alumni.

In each episode, we sit down with different alumni to uncover their most cherished memories, hear their inspiring tales, and get their hard-earned wisdom for future Wolves.

So, if you’re ready to dive into the roots of our rich history and branch out into the stories that define us, hit that subscribe button and join us on the Roots and Branches JJC Alumni Podcast!

For more information, Foundation events, and ways to give or get involved, visit jjc.edu/alumni and follow us on social media.