Joseph S. Chapa

Hailing from humble beginnings, Chef Joseph S. Chapa desired to create a better life for himself, earning an associate degree in mechanics and a bachelor’s degree in business administration. In his professional quest, he decided to join the military as an aircraft mechanic due to his auto mechanic background in high school. Halfway through his career in the military, he was promoted to aircraft maintenance officer, which he served for 23 years. When he retired as lieutenant colonel from the military, Mr. Chapa wanted to do something different. Having been involved in catering during his time as an officer, he thought it would be a great idea to enter the food and culinary industry.

For 20 years, Mr. Chapa excelled as a culinary instructor of baking at various colleges, including Navajo Technical University where he has been a dean since 2019. To remain abreast of his industry, he holds membership with the American Culinary Federation, is a baking volunteer at a homeless shelter and became certified as a pastry chef. In addition, he is a member of Logistics Engineering, having been certified as a logistics engineer. Looking toward the future, Mr. Chapa aims to start a small school in Albuquerque, New Mexico for immigrants to learn to speak English, earn their GED and obtain their citizenship.

                                                                                    Affiliations (Memberships):

                                                                American Culinary Federation; Logistics Engineering

                                                                                                       Civic:

                                                                               Volunteer Baker, Homeless Shelter