Meet a Health Hero: Quintel Coles

Quintel Coles

» You can vote for Quintel on our Facebook page October 14th through 20th. Mark your calendar!

Name: Quintel Coles

Occupation: Executive chef at Cristo Rey Philadelphia High School and partner with the Vetri Foundation’s Eatiquette program

Who or what motivates you to be healthy? 

I suffer from obesity, and as a child I was never introduced to healthier alternatives. As a single parent, my mother was more concerned with me and my siblings being fed rather than being fed healthy. As a result I became addicted to less healthier foods; I was diagnosed with hypertension and diabetes.

Over the past few years, I have become more knowledgeable about my diseases, and now I feel that I’m just the kind of person that can educate a child on a healthier eating. In fact, I feel a personal obligation to do exactly that. Today, I eat a little healthier each day and try and make it to the gym at least three times a week.

Working at Cristo Rey Philadelphia High School gives me the opportunity to share my story and do my part to introduce kids to healthier alternatives. It’s a great feeling and I am having the time of my life. I love it.

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