By Maddy Isbell ’22

Edwinna Ferguson grew up in a family where cooking was an expression of love, and she has carried this same philosophy to the Division of Student Affairs in the Becky Gates Children's Center. Edwinna has served as the cook and kitchen manager for the children’s center for the past eight years. Her “why” is the children. She enjoys contributing to the development of children by doing what she does best— cooking! 

While working at another position at Texas A&M University, Edwinna caught word of an open position for a cook at the Becky Gates Children’s Center, a children's center on campus that provides affordable and accessible childcare for Texas A&M students, faculty, and staff. She knew immediately the job would be a perfect fit. She felt it was meant to be. Fast forward eight years and Edwinna is just as excited about her job as she was then.

“I tell people I have the best job in the world and work with the best, most supportive group of people,” she said. “After all, we are bringing up the next generation and it is such an awesome journey to be a part of it.” 

Edwinna assists the center in the Child and Adult Care Food Program, a federal program that provides reimbursement for healthful meals and snacks served to children and adults. She creates healthy, balanced, and culturally diverse seasonal menus and cooks breakfast, lunch, and snacks for about 165 children, plus the teachers. Her favorite meals to cook? Chicken ratatouille, beef and broccoli, or chicken lemon pasta. 

Edwinna has always had a nurturing and kind nature, even at a young age. Growing up, her family taught her to “nurture through nutrition,” a phrase that has stuck with her all of her life. Her passion for cooking is rooted in her love for children. By providing these children with meals and snacks, Edwinna makes an impact on their development and guarantees that they are healthy, full, and ready to learn. 

“I have always had a passion for children and their wellbeing,” she said. “Childhood is such a brief and magical time in life that I feel it should be the best it can be for every single child. Coming from a family of awesome cooks, cooking is something I have been around all my life. In my family, to show love to someone is to cook for them.” 

Edwinna's love for children overflows into her personal life as well, where she has adopted children from troubled situations. “I feel like everyone deserves a home,” she said. “I think they need a good start.”

When she’s not cooking for the children at the center, you will likely find Edwinna on the beach, where she feels the most relaxed. She also enjoys spending time with her family, friends, and fur babies. Speaking of animals, Edwinna is an avid dog rescuer. She has given homes to pups in need of families, ranging from chihuahuas to pitbulls.

Edwinna is inspired by her co-workers and is joyful to work alongside them, and the staff at the Becky Gates Children’s Center adore Edwinna and her kitchen. When having a hard day or looking for a pick-me-up, the teachers and staff will stop by her kitchen for a smile and quick laugh. 

“My kitchen is like a home away from home,” she said. “My student workers are amazing, and the staff is phenomenal. We care about each other, like a family.”