Lesli Myers-Small, Andrea “Drea” Willis, & Shayla “Shayhsa” Council.

Taste and C Catering

Lesli was introduced to cooking by her maternal grandmother, who was widowed at a young age and had to care for 10 children. With so many mouths to feed, her grandmother became incredibly inventive and creative with the meals she made, all while showcasing her talent for baking. One chef Lesli admires is Kardea Brown, who cooks amazing food that reflects her culture and upbringing. Lesli finds great joy in preparing meals and treats for her family, friends, and colleagues, who often request her culinary creations.

In addition to her love for cooking, Lesli has spent over thirty years in education. She has held numerous leadership roles including high school counselor, assistant principal, central office administrator, assistant superintendent, superintendent, and assistant commissioner for NYS.

Drea is a student at the Rochester Educational Opportunity Center (REOC) at SUNY Brockport and has been cooking since the age of 13. A Rochester native, she has lived throughout the city and has also called Buffalo and Orlando, Florida home. Drea is the mother of two children, a 19-year-old son and a 17-year-old daughter.

Drea became involved with the Chocolate Ball through Lesli Myers-Small, whom she met at an event at the Commissary where she worked as Lesli’s sous chef, and the two have continued collaborating ever since.

Currently, Drea works with Melba Wilson, a Harlem-based restaurateur, caterer, cookbook author, and Food Network personality. The two connected when Melba served as a keynote speaker at a Commissary event.

Shaysha is a Rochester, NY native and a graduate of the School of the Arts. She met Drea on the very first day of their REOC culinary program, and the two have been close friends ever since.

Cooking has been a passion of Shaysha’s and her goal was to complete a culinary program, but life kept getting in the way…until now. She is finally able to pursue her passion and is loving every moment of it. Shaysha is a proud mother of three and a grandmother. She also has a personal connection to epilepsy, as her grandson was recently diagnosed.