Introducing the 2026 Winter Legacy Network Cohort

Today, we’re proud to announce the 2026 Winter Legacy Network cohort! The James Beard Foundation Legacy Network presented by Heinz trains emerging leaders across the culinary industry and connects them with future generations of excellence. By developing and cultivating the capabilities and peer groups of these influential professionals, the Legacy Network advances the equitable, culturally relevant leadership required to strengthen the industry.

This 10-week virtual program enables 20 participants (10 advisors and 10 advisees) to expand their network and receive support from fellow industry professionals. JBF has contracted Juliana Faus, founder of On Purpose Talent, as its facilitator and partner for the Legacy Network Program. Faus will bring her coaching-led approach rooted in authenticity, purpose, and results to uphold the Legacy Network Program’s goal of guiding every cohort through transformational leadership journeys that elevate underrepresented voices across the culinary industry.

Read on to meet our 2026 winter Legacy Network participants!

April Anderson
Good Cakes and Bakes
Detroit, MI

D’Andre Carter
Soul & Smoke
Chicago, IL

Katy Gerdes
Angel Food Bakery
Minneapolis, MN

Jennifer Hill Booker
Bauhaus Biergarten and Your Resident Gourmet
Lilburn, GA and Springdale, AR

James Beard Award Semifinalist® 
Brian Jupiter
Frontier Chicago, Ina Mae Tavern & Packaged Goods, and Migos Fine Foods
Chicago, IL

James Beard Award Semifinalist®
Sohui Kim
Gage & Tollner; Sunken Harbor Club; Insa
New York, NY

Diana "Dede" Lahman
Clinton St. Baking Co.
New York, NY

James Beard Award Semifinalist® 
Ji Hye Kim
Miss Kim and Little Kim
Ann Arbor, MI

Felix Tai
Polynesian Cultural Center
Laie, HI

Chase Valencia
Lasita
Los Angeles, CA

Adebukola Ajao
Destiny African Market
Randolph, MA

Andy Allo
Aköne
Malibu, CA

Daniel Bolaños
Saed
Painesville, OH

Cat Buccello
The Bodega Lounge NY; Almacks by 67 Orange Street
Brooklyn, NY

Lucy Haro
Qusqo Bistro
Los Angeles, CA

Justine Ma
Farm To Table Hawai'i
Keeau, HI

Chris Martin
Bakernobakery LLC
Charlottesville, VA

Kimberly McCoy
Sucré Patisserie
Chicago, IL

Gabi Odebode
Afromeals
Monroe, OH

Mostafa Wafa
Yalla Koshary
Washington, D.C.