Maya Discianno
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I graduated from the culinary institute of America in 1987 with a degree in culinary arts. After graduating college, I worked in the hotel and restaurant business for 10 years. In 1997 I transitioned to the grocery retail business with Whole Foods Market as a kitchen manager. With whole foods I worked my way up from kitchen manage to Prepared Foods team leader, associate prepared foods coordinator and finally culinary coordinator for the Midwest region over the span of 20 years. Looking for a simpler lifestyle I moved to the Northwoods in 2017 and started working for Trigs as culinary coordinator. Since then, I have been promoted to my current position Director of Deli operations and culinary development.
What types of certifications, education, or other licensing have you acquired?
Associated Degree in Culinary Arts
Certified Health Coach in plant-based nutrition
Certified in the Culinary Art of Research and Development
Serve Safe Certified Food Production Manager
CPR& AED Red Cross First Aid Certificate
What kind of awards, recognition, or honors have you been a part of in your career? Include years, title of honor/award etc.
4-time all-star performer with Whole Foods Market
Outstanding Business Leader - Trig's TAS Award 2024.
What parts of the job are your favorites? What are you passionate about? What gives you energy in this industry?
My favorite part about my job is creating new recipes and programs. I am passionate about our deli having fresh quality food.
Why do you enjoy working for the company?
It is a small family-owned company that is heavily vested in the community they serve.
What are some things that you are proud of that you accomplished, implemented, or executed while working for the company?
Remodeled three of the stores' deli departments to give them a fresh new look, and brand Tula's Kitchen. Revamped our gourmet cheese area to promote cheese to showcase our State of Wisconsin selections. Completely redesigned the deli catering program and offerings. Implemented our central production facility located inside the Smokehouse building.
What are some things you enjoy doing in your spare time?
Snowmobiling, gardening, kayaking, snowshoeing, almost any outdoor activity.
What is your"passion word" on your name badge and why did you choose it?
Food. Not only do we need food to sustain us it is also the center of how families gather daily and for holidays and special occasions. I am also very passionate about food for heath, what we eat can change the outcome of predisposed conditions.
Anything else you would like to share?
Cooking for my family at a young age preparing dinner after school is where it all started. Some people think of cooking as a chore, for me it has always been a fun activity that I enjoy!
