Hospitality Administration & Dietary Management Student Spotlight: Tichina Clark Gamble

Tichina Clark Gamble is not your typical college student. 

At 37 years old, she has overcome incarceration, built a business from the ground up, and is now pursuing her passion for culinary arts and hospitality administration at Ivy Tech Community College Indianapolis. Her journey is one of resilience and the unwavering belief that education can transform lives—no matter where you start.

Gamble’s path to Ivy Tech was anything but straightforward. 

After years of navigating life’s obstacles, including a period of incarceration, she found herself at a crossroads. 

“I had to get things together,” Gamble shared. “After enduring life, I realized I needed to enhance my skills and build a better future for myself.” 

This realization led her to Ivy Tech, where she is now studying hospitality administration and pursuing a certification in dietary management.

Gamble’s journey to higher education began with her participation in two programs that would ultimately shape her future. She graduated from Second Helpings, a culinary program that partners with Ivy Tech, in 2017. Later, she became an apprentice through Indiana Plan, a construction program that also offers college credits through Ivy Tech. 

“I had credits from both organizations for Ivy Tech,” she explained. “So, I thought, why not just go straight to Ivy Tech? It just made sense.”

Her decision to pursue culinary arts over construction was driven by her passion for food and her desire to empower herself as a business owner. 

Ivy Tech’s School of Culinary Arts & Hospitality Management offers students like Gamble the opportunity to turn their passion for food and hospitality into a thriving career. The program provides hands-on training in culinary arts, hospitality administration, and event management, preparing students for a wide range of roles in the industry. With state-of-the-art facilities, experienced faculty, and partnerships with local businesses, the program equips students with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in a competitive field. 

For Gamble, the program has been a perfect fit, allowing her to combine her love for cooking with her entrepreneurial spirit and desire to create meaningful experiences for others.

“Cooking is my passion,” Gamble said. “But I also wanted to learn everything I could about hospitality because it’s not just about food—it’s about etiquette, mentorship, and creating experiences for people.”

Gamble’s time at Ivy Tech has been transformative. 

She has not only excelled academically but has also become deeply involved in campus life. She is a federal work-study student, working in student life and assisting with event planning and promotions. She is also a member of Phi Theta Kappa, the Circle of Ivy, and the Ivy Tech Task Force. 

“I’m proud of myself,” she said. “Five years ago, I didn’t have these credentials. Now, I’m building relationships, networking, and improving my human capital.”

Her involvement at Ivy Tech has opened doors she never imagined. 

She has worked as an assistant to Leslie Lane, founder, and photographer for Studio 13, and has volunteered at the campus pantry. 

“Ivy Tech has given me so many opportunities,” Gamble said. “I’ve been able to build relationships and network in ways I never thought possible.”

Gamble’s entrepreneurial spirit is another key part of her story. She is the founder of “Taste Buddies,” a business that offers dressless salads, desserts, and family recipes. 

“I created Taste Buddies to empower myself,” she explained. “It’s about bringing people together through food and healing broken hearts.” 

Despite the challenges of running a business without a brick-and-mortar location or food truck, Gamble remains determined to see her vision come to life. 

“I know I have a good product, and I know people will enjoy it,” she said.

Her journey has not been without its struggles. Gamble was incarcerated for ten months, but she used that time to reflect, find faith, and plan for her future. 

“I still have the vision plan I made from when I was inside,” she shared. “I wrote down everything I wanted to accomplish, and now I’m here, living that vision.”

Gamble’s perseverance and faith have been central to her success. 

“My favorite scripture is First Thessalonians 5:16-18,” she said. “It says, ‘Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, and in everything give thanks.’ That’s been my motto. No matter the situation, I know God is good, and he’ll break every chain.”

As she looks toward the future, Gamble is already planning her next steps. She will graduate from Ivy Tech in the spring of 2026 and plans to pursue a dietetics program at Indiana University Indianapolis. 

“I’m already working on my four-year program,” she said. “I can’t afford to wait. I have to keep moving forward.”

Gamble’s story is one of resilience, faith, and the power of education to transform lives. Her advice to others facing challenges is simple but powerful: “It’s not going to be easy, but you have to believe in yourself. Find someone who encourages you and tells their story. You might find something that sticks out to you and helps you on your journey.”

Gamble is a shining example of what can be achieved with determination, support, and a willingness to never give up. No matter your past, you can grow at Ivy Tech. 

“Ivy Tech makes it happen,” Gamble said. “It’s a place where you can build your future, and I’m living proof of that.”