From The Army To The Kitchen: Jenny’s Mission To Inspire Change
From soldier to chef, Jenny blends heritage and service, creating food with purpose and a mission that inspires change.
For more than a decade, Jenny dedicated her life to service in the British Army. Eleven years in uniform gave her not only discipline and resilience but also deep expertise in human resources, recruitment and linguistics. She spent three of those years working in military recruitment, guiding the next generation of soldiers and advocating for greater diversity within the ranks.
Her dedication did not go unnoticed. Jenny was recognised with multiple honours including three Commanding Officer’s Coins, the Queen’s Jubilee Medal and the King’s Medal. She was even invited to 10 Downing Street to take part in high-level conversations on diversity, inclusion and nutrition in the military. But for Jenny, service has always meant more than medals and milestones. It is about impact.
Jenny at Number 10 Downing Street
Blending cultures, building community
In 2014, Jenny founded Jenny’s Jerk Chicken, a catering business rooted in her Jamaican and Cameroonian heritage. What began as a passion project quickly grew, with locations in Leeds and Bradford introducing customers to authentic Afro-Caribbean flavours. Her menu is a vibrant reflection of her identity, with dishes like her signature curry goat becoming best-sellers.
Food became Jenny’s way of carrying forward the values instilled in her by the army: teamwork, dedication and care for others.
Service beyond the uniform
Jenny’s commitment to community did not stop at food. She was honoured by the King for raising £50,000 to support child education and discourage dangerous immigration routes through the power of sport and boxing events.
She also co-founded the Happy Tears Foundation, a charity that uses food as a tool to empower young people and improve access to education. For Jenny, every plate served is more than a meal. It is a chance to create opportunity, connection and hope.
Jenny was awarded the Kings Medal by HRH King Charles for her charity work
One plate at a time
From military bases to bustling kitchens, Jenny’s journey has been guided by one unshakable principle: service. Whether wearing a uniform or an apron, she continues to give back, creating a legacy that blends culture, community and care.
Through Jenny’s Jerk Chicken and the Happy Tears Foundation, Jenny proves that food can be far more than flavour. It can be a force for change.
Her journey from soldier to chef is defined by one constant: a mission to serve. Whether in uniform or in the kitchen, Jenny continues to honour her heritage, empower her community and inspire the next generation, one plate at a time.