In October 2025, Middlesex Community College’s Early College Independence (ECI) Program visited Chef Munah Slopadoe at her restaurant Infuse Afro Fusion in Lowell. As a part of MCC’s Early College Program with Lowell High School (LHS), the students learned about Chef Slopadoe’s background and insights.
“I want to get into business, so I think this is good for me to hear about what [Chef Slopadoe] is going through and what she had to do for her business,” said Anisah Jordan, an ECI Program and LHS student. “I can apply her stories to my own life and experiences.”
During the visit, Chef Slopadoe described how she started her business, her childhood in Africa, and her passion for sharing African food with the Lowell community. Students listened to the steps she took to open a restaurant, how she pushed through difficulties, and her advice for students’ future business careers.
“As a seasoned entrepreneur, I'm passionate about sharing my experiences and insights with the next generation,” Chef Slopadoe said. “I believe that by sharing my story, I can empower students to pursue their own passions and dreams and provide them with valuable lessons that can help themnavigate their own paths.”
After her talk, Chef Slopadoe cooked a buffet of African food. Students enjoyed a sampling of jollof rice, fufu, chicken stew, fried rice, chicken skewers, and more.
“I’m excited to see the perspective of people who are outside of my own culture,” said Soreeka Poeung, an ECI Program and LHS student. “I can’t wait to learn about the food and [Chef Slopadoe’s] experience. I think this [workshop] is a great opportunity.”
As a part of MCC’s Early College programs, the ECI Program helps LHS seniors who take college-level classes on campus at Middlesex. As part of the program, students participate in workshops and prepare for the transition to college. On Fridays throughout the year, the students learn hands-on skills and hear real-life business stories of local entrepreneurs.
“Our Early College partnership with LHS continues to strengthen and evolve in ways that directly benefit students,” said Melissa Chandonnet, MCC’s Dean of K-16 Partnerships. “Through the ECI Program, LHS students are not only earning college credit, but are also engaging in meaningful on-campus experiences that help them develop academic confidence, explore career pathways, and build a strong sense of community.”
Through the ECI Program, students also build connections with MCC’s professors and staff. By taking advantage of resources, they are better able to learn independence and important life skills.
“Being on-campus has definitely been a positive experience,” said Dominic Lebron, an ECI Program and LHS student. “I’ve formed strong connections with my peers and my professors, and having workshops like this really opens your eyes to new things.”
Previous ECI Program workshops include visits with MCC’s Academic Centers for Enrichment (ACE) and Project LEARN. Upcoming workshop topics will cover Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) completion, proper citation and avoiding plagiarism, financial wellness, and more. These types of opportunities give students a chance to learn beyond the classroom, according to Sothy Sok, MCC’s Early College Support Coordinator.
“Students can see firsthand the challenges and successes of entrepreneurship, while also gaining insight into the cultural and personal significance behind starting a restaurant,” Sok said. “These experiences help students imagine new possibilities for themselves and understand the many pathways to success.”