The CEO of the Davis Street Community Center (DSCC) in San Leandro, California,
Rose Padilla Johnson is a long-time leader in the community service sector. As the head of San Leandro’s DSCC since 1991, Rose Padilla Johnson oversees a health clinic, childcare services, and even cooking classes at one of the region’s most active community centers.
Focused on teaching nutrition as well as cooking skills, Davis Street’s cooking classes show community members how to prepare healthy and culturally relevant meals on a small budget. With a specific focus on preparing nutritious meals with donations received from food pantries, the class welcomes people from all backgrounds and provides translation services for Spanish and Cantonese speakers.
In addition to preparing meals, the Davis Street cooking class focuses on bilingual education about obesity risks and ways to avoid obesity for both children and adults. Participants in the cooking classes also receive one-on-one support from a wellness coach who assists with identifying lifestyle changes to improve nutrition and overall health.
