Jocelyn Sanders
For more than 25 years, Jocelyn Sanders built a successful career as a salon owner and licensed cosmetologist. But deep down, there were still goals she wanted to complete, like going back to school.
Karla Armour, a fifth-generation baker and a proud alumna of Washburne Culinary & Hospitality Institute at Kennedy-King College, has turned her love of baking into a business that blends culinary arts with her commitment to restorative justice.
Karla’s journey to Washburne began as a reinvention. After earning a bachelor’s degree in English from University of Illinois Chicago in 1994 and working in public relations, journalism, and healthcare, Karla decided it was time for a change. Inspired by her own creativity in the kitchen and her mother’s encouragement, she enrolled in Washburne to develop her culinary skills.
During her time at Washburne, Karla excelled in her culinary program, earning advanced certificates and diving deep into the science and art of food. The lessons she learned, such as the importance of “mise en place” (everything in its place), became guiding principles not only in the kitchen but in life.
“My time at Washburne deepened my understanding of resiliency,” Karla said. “Sometimes, the recipe doesn’t come out on the first try, or you take a hot pot out and you burn your hand. You do it again, and you keep at it.”
Karla also worked with big names in the culinary world like Rick Bayless and competed in a cooking contest sponsored by the tv show “The Chew.”
Sadly, tragedy struck during Karla’s final semester when her sister unexpectedly passed away, leaving her to adopt and care for her nieces and nephews. Despite this major life change, Karla remained committed to her education and never put her studies on hold. She drew inspiration from her sister, a talented chef, and found a way to honor her sister’s legacy by building her own business.
This is how La Matriz was born. It’s named after the Spanish word for “the womb” because Karla believes baking is a process of nurturing and transformation. While La Matriz is a small batch operation, it makes a big impact. Karla uses the bakery to help support people impacted by the justice system by providing them with a second chance. She’s also an ambassador for the Chicago branch of Let’s Talk Womxn, a collaboration of women restaurateurs to build combined economic power and has been featured on WCIU for her work. Karla’s bakery is more than a business—it’s a platform for change.
Karla’s story is a testament to the transformative power of education and highlights how City Colleges helps students like her achieve their dreams and positively impact in their communities.
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