April 15, 2025
Chef Darrin Mayweather, Grand Rapids Community College’s (GRCC) 2025 Young Alumni Award Winner, was at a pivotal crossroads in his teen years, facing the choice between getting a job or going to bootcamp. Mayweather started working as a dishwasher, not realizing this choice would open doors for his future career in the kitchen.
The Young Alumni award recognizes graduates under 40 who have demonstrated exceptional accomplishments in their professions, civic engagement and service to GRCC and the community. Mayweather is a living example of these values, showcasing an unmatched work ethic, a servant-leader mentality and a humble approach to his success.
Secchia Institute paves the path for a career
Mayweather was born and raised in the inner city of Grand Rapids. After becoming a parent at a young age, he understood the need to build stability for his young family. When a mentor suggested he go to culinary school, he couldn’t shake the idea. With the unwavering support of his mother and a deep desire to provide a better future for his son, Mayweather applied to the Secchia Institute for Culinary Education at GRCC.
“Growing up my biggest influence was my mother. She was a single mother and had me at 14,” said Mayweather. “My mom walked me through the process of applying for college. When I got serious about culinary school, she was ten toes down, meaning she wouldn’t budge on it. She held me accountable. It helped me see that my mom, who graduated with her Masters, believed in me and my son was counting on me.”
Looking back, Mayweather recalls the moment he discovered his true potential. “At first, I was just passing classes. I didn’t believe in myself until after my first semester. Being a parent, living with my grandmother and helping take care of her, none of this stopped me. I thought, ‘Wow, you really love this, you’re pretty talented and you’re dedicated.’ Sixteen years later, I’m still working in the kitchen. I am 100% happy about the path I chose. I work for a company now that believes in me, I have my own catering company, Social Arts LLC, that I believe in and I get to teach. I made the best of it all,” said Mayweather.
From learning to teaching, a master of his craft
Outside of the kitchen, Mayweather loves being in the classroom. “I consider myself a servant leader,” he explained. “I am going to give my people everything they need to do their job successfully. I come into the class fresh out of the kitchen. I keep learning relevant to the current industry. I’m actively in it every day.”
He continued, “I strive to bring authenticity to the classroom at GRCC by showing up as myself every time I teach. I bring diversity. I play a lot of jazz and R&B during lab times. That’s what I play when I’m cooking in the kitchen. It helps relax the students who may find themselves anxious about the process. Many of the students have lives outside of the classroom. We can relate on that side of things.”
Mayweather gives students a strong feel for what to expect in the current culinary industry. His valuable insights as a working industry professional, and as a professor teaching in the classroom, go hand in hand.
A leader who serves first
Mayweather’s accolades outside of the classroom reflect his love for the community.
“I’ve seen people of all walks of life growing up in the inner city. Whether you are below poverty or a billionaire, everybody is exactly the same to me.” Mayweather continued, “I choose to pour into the local Black food entrepreneurs. I want to feed the less fortunate without expectation for anything in return. I choose to work with the Boys and Girls Club and Bethany Christian Services. Wanting to be with and serve people is who I am at heart.”
Bethany Christian Services is an organization that works to protect children, empower youth and strengthen families through quality social services. Grand Rapids Center for Community Transformation (GRCCT) proudly partners with Bethany Christian Services.
“The entire leadership team at GRCCT would attest to the fact that Mayweather is an incredibly talented and intentional leader,” said Christine Lindeman, GRCCT Director of Operations. “He is an expert in his craft while also being committed to those around him becoming better at theirs. His commitment to the community is contagious, and we are grateful to have him in Grand Rapids.”
A legacy built on leadership and love
Mayweather made a name for himself within his community without even trying. His leadership as a chef, and as a teacher at GRCC, goes beyond the kitchen and the classroom. Mayweather sees his role as a father to his two sons as the most important one. All of Mayweather’s accomplishments not only led him to be this year’s Young Alumni Award Winner, it reminded him of his own victories in life. Mayweather is someone others can look up to, be motivated by and know they are worthy because of his belief in them. He came full circle creating a successful recipe for not only his future, but his sons’ futures as well.
This story was reported by Anjula Caldwell