Kareem “Mr. Bake” Queeman Shows Students the Recipe for Pursuing Their Dreams

Kareem Queeman is not shy about expressing himself, especially in the kitchen where his artistic flair shines through in his baking. 

As a self-described proud Black and queer man, the Culinary Institute of New York (CINY) recruiter, mentor, and alumnus found his passion in the kitchen at an early age. 

He recalls, however, there were few bakers who “looked like him” when he was a young child first getting interested in the kitchen. It ultimately drove him to be a role model for others which, combined with his passion for whipping up delicious desserts, would be the unique recipe for Kareem’s success. 

"I've noticed during my journey that people are much more likely to try something new for themselves when they start seeing people from their specific communities and diverse backgrounds occupying those spaces,” Kareem said. “That’s why, for the past 10 years, I have been trying to blaze a trail for Black men in baking and in leadership roles.” 

The journey to career success was far from linear for Kareem. Without role models to follow, he would have to find his own way. One thing he knew for certain: on his path to achieving his dreams, he would always stay true to himself. He would never change who he is or what he believes in, to be more successful.  

He also knew that coming to Monroe to study culinary arts and business was an important first step. 

Now after more than a decade of professional baking, Kareem is well-known by his culinary moniker, “Mr. Bake.” He runs a very successful bakery in Maryland when not competing in national culinary competitions or being featured on various television shows such as Food Network’s “Beat Bobby Flay”, Netflix’s “Sugar Rush: Christmas Gift Exchange” and Discovery Family’s “Bake It Like Buddy.” Another major milestone: Kareem was nominated in 2023 for a James Beard Foundation award for Outstanding Pastry Chef or Baker, an incredible endorsement of his talent and creativity.

Today, Kareem can often be found visiting high schools with culinary programs around the country to share his personal story, motivate juniors and seniors to reach for their dreams, and also speak as a proud alumnus about his personal experiences as a student at Monroe.  

He sees himself and his heritage reflected in his desserts. When asked what dessert he would make for someone truly special, he points to a sweet potato spice cupcake with cream cheese frosting and salted caramel and a toasted pecan sprinkle, which harkens to flavors and methods that are frequently embraced in Black and African-American desserts. 

Food, like other artforms, is one way to share the history of a community, a family, or even a single person. It takes love and care to be precise yet expressive while baking. For Kareem to express himself is to share Black history and, as he points out, a significant part of American history. 

“Black Americans, the ones who were brought over here, are the backbone of America,” Kareem said. “We built a lot of the infrastructure and we are threaded into the culture of American history and Americans.” 

Without storytelling, history gets lost and diverse voices are often the first to be abandoned, ignored, or forgotten. But Queeman understands the importance of learning from history. 

“It's important to me to raise awareness of the contributions of the Black diaspora here in America,” he notes. 

“America has always been, and still will be, a melting pot – we are woven together like a quilt. So that is why it's so important for me to amplify voices of the past, of the present, to help elevate the voices of the future.” 

CINY Dean Frank Costantino said it is Kareem’s unique approach that makes him such a valuable resource for CINY students. 

“Kareem is a fine example of what CINY is all about... a proud graduate who is now giving back by sharing his journey to inspire others to pursue their passion for baking and culinary arts. We are very proud of him,” said Costantino. 

When he is recruiting for CINY or mentoring current students, Kareem hopes to foster a unique point of view or passion for self-expression. He knows that techniques can be taught but it is much harder to learn creativity. His advice for them is the same as the promise he made to himself. 

“Don't let anybody's opinion of you become your personal reality. They may try to box you in, to limit what they think you're capable of. But as human beings, we have the power to change and become anything we choose,” he said. “Stay true to yourself and never let others' perceptions define your potential. That's the message I hope to share with the next generation of Black students at Monroe - you can be all that you can be, if you believe in yourself.”