076: From "Illegal" Immigrant to Educator: Crossing Borders, Building Futures with Chef Felix

In this episode of The Alchemist Lounge , we sit down with Chef Felix Cortez —an immigrant, educator, and community pillar—to trace his journey from working since age 8 in rural Mexico to crossing into the U.S. at 17, grinding through farm and dishwashing jobs, rising to line cook and chef, and ultimately answering a faith-driven call to teach at Orange Technical College in Orlando. It's a grounded look at immigration beyond headlines—one day at a time, hard work, and service to others. In this episode, you will hear: (0:00) Why this story matters now: moving past immigration headlines to a human story; meet Chef Felix. (2:00) Growing up in Mexico: dad leaves to provide; Felix works from age 8 to support the family. (10:18) First spark for food: helping make underground barbacoa at 12—early culinary skills before he knew it. (23:06) First U.S. grind: peppers, oranges, heavy labor; driving tractors; moving for love and opportunity. (25:42) Kitchen door opens: dishwasher → breakfast line; culinary school (2003); stints with Marriott & Eden Roc. (28:29) Living in the gray: fear, expired license years, and choosing to keep moving—one day at a time. (29:49) Orlando chapter: food service → teaching; eight years mentoring students into real careers. (37:46) A calling confirmed: a 2006 prophecy to "teach what you have" fulfilled in 2016 at Orange Technical College. (41:38) Practical mentorship: start small, learn English, pay taxes, stack skills; a student's $23/hr Disney offer at under 20. (51:03) Starting over (again): it's not about money—it's about service, family, and becoming a pillar where you live. If you're into resilience, food, and faith—told through the lens of a teacher lifting the next generation—this one's for you. Drop your favorite takeaway and share it with someone who needs a path forward.

You can listen to 076: From "Illegal" Immigrant to Educator: Crossing Borders, Building Futures with Chef Felix online on Radio and Podcast. Open the player on this page to stream the available audio.

076: From "Illegal" Immigrant to Educator: Crossing Borders, Building Futures with Chef Felix is an episode from The Alchemist Lounge by Alex Atwood.

This episode is 56:02 long.

This episode was published on Sep 9, 2025.

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