Legacy of Light: How Compassion, Purpose, and Community Shape Our Lives
Nestled in the heart of downtown Greensboro, NC, Chez Genèse is more than just a place to grab a meal. It’s where passion meets purpose, and food is crafted with intention and care. As you step inside, you’re greeted not only by the mouthwatering aromas from the kitchen but also by the warm, welcoming energy of a space that champions inclusivity. This French-inspired café is a living testament to the belief that meaningful work transcends barriers, embracing individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Since moving to Greensboro for school, Chez Genèse has become a special spot for me. It was the first place I went to with my mom, and it’s now our go-to every time she comes to visit. The food is exceptional, but what sets this restaurant apart is its unwavering commitment to acceptance.
Every dish is carefully prepared, and the people behind it—regardless of their background or abilities—have the chance to shine, thrive, and be seen. Chez Genèse doesn’t just serve delicious food; it serves opportunities.
In a world that can sometimes be unkind and where such initiatives are rare, Chez Genèse stands as a beacon of hope. Each person working there, whether they realize it or not, contributes to a meaningful legacy of empowerment and growth. The food tells a story of artistry, with each bite showcasing the dedication and thoughtfulness behind it. The secret ingredient here is love. This is not just a place to eat—it’s a space where understanding, compassion, and belonging come first. At Chez Genèse, everyone, no matter their life challenges—can feel valued and appreciated.
What truly makes this place exquisite is not just the generosity extended to each employee but the culture of service and opportunity it nurtures within the community. The team doesn’t simply cook or serve; they educate, advocate, and inspire. Through their partnership with Compass Greensboro, they’ve become leaders in disability employment education, showing that workforce inclusion is not only possible but essential.
Kathryn Hubert, the owner of Chez Genèse, shared that while she hadn’t initially thought about legacy in relation to her restaurant, the themes of community and belonging were always at the core of her vision. She wanted to create a space where people feel welcomed and celebrated. Her hope is that when people think of Greensboro, they’ll think of Chez Genèse and the positive impact it’s had on their lives. This sense of belonging forms the heart of its lasting legacy—a place woven into the fabric of the city, where meaningful connections happen around the table. As someone with a learning-disabled brother, Giovanni, I’m deeply moved by the work being done here. It’s incredible to witness a place where individuals like him are given the chance to develop and flourish, and contribute meaningfully to the world. Chez Genèse is leaving an enduring mark on the Greensboro community. Through its commitment to unity and possibilities, it's shaping a future where everyone has a place to belong. By fostering a culture of kindness and a welcoming atmosphere, the establishment is creating a lasting legacy that goes beyond food—it’s a legacy of upliftment and change.
The food here is more than just a dining experience—it’s a reflection of the craftsmanship and devotion that goes into every dish. The café operates on a model of fairness and respect, refusing to accept tips because they believe in compensating their workers fairly, ensuring that each person is valued. This practice is a powerful reminder of the kind of place Chez Genèse is—a space where dignity and opportunity come first.
If you're going to support a business, support one that supports the community in a positive and impactful way. Chez Genèse isn’t just a café; it’s a movement. Every visit contributes to the ongoing legacy they are creating. Located at 616 S Elm St, Greensboro, NC 27406, and reachable at (336) 663-7399, this is a place that's changing lives and making a difference in Greensboro, one meal at a time.
In academia, professors are often seen as authoritative figures, demanding and strict, creating an atmosphere of pressure. However, not all teachers fit this mold. Some lead with grace, patience, and an unwavering belief in the potential of their students. One such professor is William Dodson, whose legacy is defined not by recognition or awards, but by the kindness, understanding, and humanity he imparts to those he teaches.
Professor William Dodson
Throughout my years at North Carolina A&T State University, one professor stood apart. His name doesn’t need to be etched in a plaque—his impact is felt in ways words can’t fully capture. He leads with quiet understanding, never relying on authority. His classes were engaging, filled with passion, and infused with a genuine love for the subject. What set him apart was his grace—the grace to recognize that students are human, juggling responsibilities, emotions, and challenges. He didn’t demand perfection; he sought effort, understanding, and growth. In a world where deadlines often feel overwhelming, he offered flexibility, empathy, and the space to learn at one’s own pace, while still challenging students to be their best.
When I asked him about legacy, I was struck by his humble response. “That’s actually a very complicated question,” he said, as if the idea of legacy was something too vast to fully comprehend. For him, legacy wasn’t measured by achievements but by the personal, quieter impact he had on people’s lives. He spoke of his children and the hope that his actions might leave a positive mark. As a teacher, he understood that the effects of his work might not be immediately visible—students may not recognize the value of his guidance until years later. Yet, he remains hopeful that the impact would be lasting, even if unseen.
For him, legacy is hope—the hope that his work, whether through teaching or simply by being present, will lead to something good. He believes that the lessons learned will have lasting value, even if students didn't fully grasp it right away. “You don’t need a plaque or anything,” he said. “You’ll never know about it.” Yet, he continues to teach, to inspire, and to leave his mark on every student who enters his classroom.
What makes his legacy so beautiful is the absence of ego. He seeks no recognition, only the opportunity to do good. In a world where success is often measured by outward accomplishments, he teaches with a thoughtful presence. True legacy, he shows, is about the lives you touch, the hearts you influence, and the kindness you extend. His legacy lives in the small, often invisible moments of understanding, grace, and encouragement that ripple outward and shape the future. Legacy is not always grand. Sometimes it is the gentle encouragement in the classroom, the grace to understand that life doesn’t always fit into neat boxes, and the compassion to meet students where they are. In a world quick to judge, his legacy reminds us of the power of patience, kindness, and the belief that every student, no matter their struggles, deserves a chance to thrive.
As I look back on my time in his class, I’m reminded of the importance of such teachers—those who lead with empathy and wisdom, whose influence is not measured by grades, but by the lives they touch. His legacy endures, not in awards, but in lasting impact he’s had on every student fortunate enough to have been in his class.
His legacy is one of deep commitment, where every lesson and every word of encouragement leaves a meaningful mark on the world. And for that, his influence will last, long after the classroom doors have closed.
Young Atiana Contreras-Sisco
To close, I want to share a picture of myself as a child—a reminder that legacy isn’t shaped solely by adults or professors; it’s also defined by the child within each of us. Just as Ms. Kathryn and Professor Dodson were once children, full of dreams, wonder, and possibility, so were we all. We may grow older, but the heart of that little kid—the one who sees the world with fresh eyes and an open heart—remains. Legacy isn’t just about the years we accumulate or the accolades we receive. It’s about the way we lead with kindness, love, humility, intentionality, and integrity, touching at least one person’s life in a way that can never be forgotten.
When you enter a room inside of you—the one who believes in the goodness of people, who brings warmth to every interaction, and who leaves a trace of light wherever you go. carrying these qualities—like you were sent by something greater—it feels as though you’ve been placed there for a reason. You might never fully understand the depth of your impact, but know this: when you lead with a pure heart and genuine care, your legacy will never be overlooked. It’s felt. It’s seen. It’s remembered. Never lose that little kid inside of you—the one who believes in the goodness of people, who brings warmth to every interaction, and who leaves a trace of light wherever you go.
