High Impact Philanthropy: Catherine De Orio Of Foundation for Culinary Arts On How To Leave A Lasting Legacy With A Successful & Effective Nonprofit Organization
An Interview with Karen Mangia
Create Innovative and Adaptable Programs: The ability to innovate and adapt ensures a nonprofit remains relevant and effective, even during challenging times.
For someone who wants to set aside money to establish a Philanthropic Foundation or Fund, what does it take to make sure your resources are being impactful and truly effective? In this interview series, called “How To Create Philanthropy That Leaves a Lasting Legacy” we are visiting with founders and leaders of Philanthropic Foundations, Charitable Organizations, and Non-Profit Organizations, to talk about the steps they took to create sustainable success.
As a part of this series, I had the pleasure of interviewing Catherine De Orio.
Catherine De Orio, best known as the longtime host of the Emmy award-winning dining review show Check, Please!, is a food writer, culinary consultant, and executive director of the Foundation for Culinary Arts. A former attorney, she has expertly combined her skills in law and culinary arts to build a career as a lifestyle expert, media spokesperson, and public speaker, working with brands like Sara Lee, Crate & Barrel, and Disney. Named one of Zagat’s “10 Chicago power players you need to know now,” she has appeared on major networks, including NBC and The Today Show, and written for publications like Time Out and Michigan Avenue.
Thank you for making time to visit with us about a ‘top of mind’ topic. Our readers would like to get to know you a bit better. You are a successful leader. Which three character traits do you think were most instrumental to your success? We would love to hear a few stories or examples.
Vision, Resilience and Adaptability
Vision: This is an important attribute as without seeing where you want things to go, it’s impossible to get there. Additionally having vision allows me to understand the big picture/end goal, break it down into a plan that can be implemented and also articulate the goal and implementation plan to align and inspire the diverse groups of stakeholders that are fundamental for the success of a nonprofit.
Our organization was founded in 2008 — prior to the start of my tenure in 2014 the organization had a narrow scope — provided small scholarships to students studying at a specific college. These students had already made the decision of what school to attend, what to study and how to fund (at least their first year in college). During my time as executive director, it became evident that the larger challenges for students with financial need was accessing support for their ambitions earlier, during their formative high school years when it’s common to see dreams snuffed out if they aren’t supported. It became clear that students that had already decided on their college, course of study and how to fund it may still need financial aid,but were also more capable of finding resources than students who were about to face these daunting decisions. Working with students with financial need, majority coming from disinvested communities in Chicago, it became clear providing resources to students at a younger age would result in higher success rates and be more impactful. Things like providing skills that help focus their interests, build their knowledge and in turn build their confidence levels which helps them to weather rough spots (which all careers will have) was necessary. Thus in summer 2016 we piloted a culinary camp for economically-challenged high school students interested in pursuing a career in the culinary arts for 20 students. There was no fee for the camp, students just needed to meet the financial need criteria. The camp is now our main program, it has expanded to year-round camps for over 100 students a year. We’ve watched the Yes, Chef! Culinary Camp Program thrive, boasting a waitlist for every session. Our campers have gone on to college and prestigious culinary programs like Culinary Institute of America Hyde Park and Johnson & Wales to name a few. Additionally, creating a program that provides educational and vocational benefits to students from underserved school districts shows stakeholders how they are having an immediate impact on a young adults’ career (which expands to the betterment of the community at large) and providing skilled workers to the hospitality industry that is in need of such has resulted in holistic support. Having the vision to see how to create a program that addresses solutions for a variety of stakeholders results in effective nonprofit leadership.
Resilience: Mission-driven work can be challenging and to effectively navigate and continue to stay motivated and focused, resilience has been absolutely necessary.
Our organization had worked very closely with another organization and had perhaps been too closely aligned with this other organization. As a result, as the other organization faced serious challenges and pivoted on what seemed a weekly basis, our planning and programming was thrown into disarray. Resilience helped me as a leader to disentangle us from the issues plaguing our partner organization and to manage the external shifts and unpredictability of our environment. During this highly trying time, I needed to make tough decisions (ones that were not always popular), prioritize our needs and creatively maintain our resources while also maintaining the integrity of the organization and its programming (not to mention keep our board members and staff from burning out). Keeping a mindset of resilience allowed me to stay focused, continue to push forward while also fostering a positive organizational culture and keep our team and stakeholders optimistic and committed. Nonprofit leadership can be challenging and being resilient inspires confidence, ensures stability and keeps the organization’s mission front and center in the face of adversity.
Adaptability: The world moves fast. Political and economic trends are always shifting and unexpected events happen (hello, global pandemic!). Thus being able to adapt to new environments and find solutions for new challenges is imperative to nonprofit success.
Like most of the world, the global pandemic threw our organization for a loop. Not only were we faced with the economic uncertainty as donors pulled back, but we ran in-person culinary camps for students from underserved communities. To ensure that we could still benefit our demographic when they needed us more than ever, we shifted to virtual classes. Culinary instruction posed its own unique set of challenges. Students would have to watch instruction on Zoom, our instructors would have to be monitoring the students on small screens — and our students are using sharp objects (knives and scissors) as well as appliances with open flames and heat (stoves and ovens). This meant we needed to hire more instructors to ensure that each student could be properly monitored on screen so they did not hurt themselves. Safety & sanitation needed to be constantly reviewed with the students. The curriculum needed to be adjusted for virtual instruction. And one of the things many don’t think about, we could not assume our campers had anything to cook with in their kitchens — many of our students live in food deserts and the majority of their meals are eaten at school and the dinner meal is fast food or processed ready-made meals. Thus, we found donors to fund equipment kits that were provided to each participant and contained literally everything but the kitchen sink! They received all necessary cooking equipment (from pots, pans and cutting boards to knives and small utensils); first aid kits; disinfecting kits and containers and supplies for proper storage and labeling of food. Also, we partnered with a local grocery store to provide all the ingredients for each day of camp. And the curriculum was re-designed to culminate in a meal that would feed their family each night. Thus when families were struggling, the camp became a way for our campers to also contribute to their household … which had the residual benefit of building campers confidence as their families ate what they cooked each day and also building parental buy-in and recognition of the value of this program. Post-pandemic when our camps return to in-person instruction we thrived. Being adaptable and willing to find a solution in the face of unprecedented challenges we came out stronger (and confident we can handle future challenges).
What’s the most interesting discovery you’ve made since you started leading Foundation for Culinary Arts?
One of the most interesting discoveries I’ve made since joining the Foundation for Culinary Arts has been realizing the profound impact that culinary education can have beyond just teaching cooking skills — it can transform lives and communities. Our programs empower youth. I’ve been able to witness how our culinary program inspires confidence and purpose in our students from disinvested neighborhoods. The are not just learning to cook, they are building life skills, self-esteem, and a sense of possibility.
I’ve always known this, but it was really solidified through my work at F4CA that food serves as a universal connector — bridging cultures, fostering empathy, and creating shared experiences. Our campers learn about the cuisines of other cultures and share traditions from their own cultures. Additionally, our partnership with James Beard Foundation where campers cooked alongside JBF-recognized chefs demonstrated how a meal can become a platform for mentorship and community-building. And lastly, meeting and working alongside my campers as they continued down their educational path with us uncovered the untapped potential of campers in these communities who might not have had opportunities without our programming. Witnessing their growth underscores the potential impact of access and support.
Can you please tell our readers more about how F4CA intends to make a significant social impact?
The Foundation for Culinary Arts plans to make a significant social impact by using culinary education as a catalyst for empowerment, equity, and community transformation. Our approach combines skill-building, mentorship, and meaningful experiences to create long-lasting change. Through our Yes, Chef! Culinary Camp program, we work to empower underserved youth. The program provides hands-on culinary training to high school students from disinvested neighborhoods, equipping them with practical skills and career pathways in the culinary and hospitality industries. This empowers young people with confidence, purpose, and the tools to break cycles of poverty, opening doors to new opportunities and a brighter future. Our programming also works to promote diversity in the culinary field, something which is lacking. By creating opportunities for students from underserved communities to provide access to education, mentorship, and professional networks in the culinary industry we aim to address inequities. By fostering diversity and inclusion, F4CA helps to create a more equitable industry while celebrating the richness of culinary traditions from all cultures. Our camp is based on three pillars: Culinary, community and culture. We foster community through initiatives like family brunches, community cooking classes (where a camper brings a parent/guardian to class and they learn to cook a Thanksgiving meal together and at the completion of the class are provided all of the ingredients — including turkey and roasting pan — to re-create the meal for a family of 10 on the holiday) and take home meals from each camp. These initiatives bring people together around the table, showcasing the transformative power of food as a means to connect, heal, and celebrate. It also builds stronger, more inclusive communities while raising awareness about the importance of access to quality food and education. Additionally we work to champion sustainability and food justice by partnering with organizations and chefs committed to sustainability, and incorporating lessons about food systems, sustainability, and reducing food waste into our programming — — we even take our campers to the farmer’s market where they learn about the importance of seasonality, buying local, talk to farmers and try expand their palates through sampling produce they have not encountered before. This helps our campers and communities understand their role in creating a more sustainable and just food ecosystem. We integrate nutrition into all of our lessons so that our students learn how to make better food choice for themselves and their families, thus contributing to a healthier community. Lastly, we work to inspire long-term change through strategic partnerships. Collaborating with organizations like the James Beard Foundation and Choose Chicago ensures programs are well-supported, impactful, and scalable. These partnerships amplify our reach and impact, allowing for broader influence on culinary education and community development.
We are committed to turning the kitchen into a space where skills, confidence, and opportunities are nurtured — ultimately creating ripple effects that transform individual lives and thus the communities of which they are a part.
What makes you feel passionate about this cause more than any other?
As someone who grew up cooking, eventually changed careers from litigation attorney to formally-trained chef (and culinary media personality), food is deeply personal to me. It’s where memories are made, stories are shared, and communities come together. But beyond its ability to nourish and connect, food truly has transformative power. My work with the Foundation for Culinary Arts is about harnessing that power to change lives, and that’s what fuels my passion every day.
Acknowledging that I grew up privileged, I believe it’s my duty to give back to those with less opportunity and work to empower the next generation. For me, it is incredibly rewarding watching a young person from an underserved neighborhood walk into our culinary programs unsure of their abilities and leave with newfound confidence. The kitchen becomes their classroom, and each skill they learn — whether it’s preparing pasta from scratch or plating a dish with care — is a step toward building a brighter future. I’ve seen students realize their potential, set ambitious goals, and begin to envision (and take steps towards) careers in the culinary and hospitality fields, which is incredibly inspiring.
I believe that access to education and mentorship is a right, not a privilege and through my role at F4CA I work to create equity and opportunity for individuals who might not otherwise have them. Our programs are so much more than just teaching students how to cook — It’s about providing them with portable skills and the tools to succeed in life (they learn organization, time-management, nutrition and teamwork skills in addition to learning how to nourish themselves with a good meal), fostering diversity in the culinary world, and addressing systemic inequities.
Having lived all over the world and often times not being able to speak the language, I worked to build my community through food. At a young age I realized that we all need to eat and you can learn so much about another person and their culture by breaking bread with them over a shared meal — food and eating are our common ground. So when I would find myself in a new city or country I would cook for others and I want to help our students build their community through food as well. Food is a universal language, and through it, we’ve built a community as diverse and dynamic as the city of Chicago. Our “Yes, Chef!” Culinary Camps go beyond culinary skills; they’re about connection. Whether it’s campers cooking for their families or working alongside like-minded peers and James Beard-recognized chefs, these shared experiences highlight food’s ability to unite people and celebrate culture.
My role at F4CA allows me to combine my personal passion for the culinary arts with a mission-driven purpose. It’s incredibly fulfilling to know that our programs don’t just make an impact today — they create ripple effects for generations to come. Combine this with seeing their impact and sometimes I have to pinch myself I feel so lucky. Whether it’s seeing a young person gaining confidence, a family feeling proud, or an entire room brought together through a shared meal — These moments are small on their own, but collectively, they’re transformative.
I believe food is a tool for change, and through the Foundation for Culinary Arts, I get to witness that change every day. That’s why I’m so passionate about what I do — it’s not just work; it’s a calling.
Without naming names, could you share a story about an individual who benefitted from your initiatives?
One story that exemplifies the impact of the Foundation for Culinary Arts is that of a young man who joined our summer culinary camp as a sophomore at a high school ranking in the bottom 50% in Illinois. Drawn to our program through our outreach efforts targeting under-resourced schools, he began his journey with us with curiosity and a budding interest in cooking.
Over the course of six camps, his passion and skills blossomed. He mastered foundational techniques, tackled culinary challenges like baking pumpkin pies from scratch, and impressed us with his dedication to every detail — from beautifully plating meals for his family to thoughtfully staging them for social media. His creativity and enthusiasm didn’t go unnoticed; he won performance prizes, participated in additional programs like our holiday baking bootcamp, and even grew his own herbs and started an avocado tree as part of extra credit assignments.
His hard work and growing talent caught the attention of local media and Chicago’s top chefs, who were so impressed that they sponsored his attendance at a subsequent camp. These chefs have since mentored him in their kitchens, further fueling his dream of pursuing a career in the culinary world. He in turn now returns to mentor our current campers.
Today, he is living that dream. As the first in his family to attend college, he is studying culinary arts at the prestigious Johnson & Wales University on a full-ride scholarship. Alongside his studies, he runs a baking business, selling his goods through Instagram, and has his sights set on owning a restaurant one day — a place where he can honor and celebrate his ancestors’ cuisine.
His journey is a testament to the transformative power of culinary education and the support of a dedicated community. It reflects the mission of the Foundation for Culinary Arts at every stage: opening doors for young people, providing them with the tools and mentorship to succeed, and empowering them to dream big and achieve even bigger.
We all want to help and to live a life of purpose. What are three actions anyone could take to help address the root cause of the problem you’re trying to solve?
Living a life of purpose is shown to be deeply interconnected with our level of happiness. When we align our actions with our values and focus on making a meaningful impact, we experience a sense of fulfillment that transcends temporary pleasures. Purpose gives our lives direction and helps us navigate challenges with resilience, while contributing to something larger than ourselves fosters a profound sense of joy and connection. Ultimately, living with purpose creates a lasting foundation for true happiness and could there be anything more win-win than helping others while you help yourself to a happy life?
Aside from donating to our organization or sponsoring a camp, camper or equipment/meal kit, here are three actions anyone can take to help F4CA address the root causes of educational inequity, lack of diversity and barriers to entry in the culinary field, and food insecurity:
First, invest in education and skill development. Providing young adults with access to knowledge and practical tools can change the trajectory of their lives. Programs like our Yes, Chef! Culinary Camp do exactly that by equipping students with foundational culinary skills and inspiring confidence. Volunteering as a mentor or advocating for vocational training in under-resourced areas are meaningful ways to contribute to this mission. Also seeing if your company provides resources for charities their employees support and making that connection to F4CA.
Second, supporting equitable access to resources is essential. Many communities lack the opportunities they need simply because of systemic barriers. By donating to organizations like F4CA, hosting a fundraiser, or amplifying the stories of our students/individuals overcoming these challenges, anyone can help bridge that gap and create lasting change.
Lastly, championing local talent and businesses helps sustain the growth and success of communities. Supporting young entrepreneurs or partnering with local programs like ours fosters a sense of empowerment and belonging. When students see their talents recognized, like many of our campers who run small businesses or are attending culinary school, it inspires them to dream even bigger.
Based on your experience, what are the “5 Things You Need To Create A Successful & Effective Nonprofit That Leaves A Lasting Legacy?”
Based on my experience, the five critical elements necessary to create a successful and effective nonprofit that leaves a lasting legacy are:
1. A Clear and Compelling Mission: A nonprofit’s mission is its guiding star — it must be focused, meaningful, and resonate with its community. At the Foundation for Culinary Arts (F4CA), the mission to empower under-resourced youth through culinary education and vocational opportunities has remained clear. This clarity allowed the organization to design programs like the Yes, Chef! Culinary Camp, which connects students from underserved schools with mentors, skill-building opportunities, and pathways to careers in the culinary arts. Just one of our many stories of a camper who went from learning basic culinary skills to attending a prestigious culinary school (and as first in his family to attend college) on a full scholarship demonstrates the power of a focused mission.
2. Pursuing Authentic Community Engagement: Successful nonprofits don’t just serve communities — they engage with them authentically, ensuring that programs address real needs. F4CA’s outreach to schools in vulnerable neighborhoods ensures the organization meets students where they are. For instance, a young high school student discovered the camp through these outreach efforts and found not just an interest in cooking but a clear career path. We also talk to parents/guardians and the public-school teachers in these areas to learn about the issues plaguing the community and work with them to ensure our solutions are being developed with the individuals we serve. By engaging directly with underserved communities, F4CA builds trust and creates programs that genuinely change lives.
3. Building Strong and Diverse Partnerships: Strategic partnerships amplify a nonprofit’s reach and impact. Whether with local businesses, other nonprofits, or community leaders, these collaborations are essential. F4CA partnered with the James Beard Foundation, James Beard-recognized chefs and Choose Chicago (Chicago’s tourism board) to host a JBF award week kickoff brunch where campers worked with prestigious chefs and showcased their culinary talents to their families and city luminaries. This not only gave students invaluable hands-on experience and mentorship but also raised the organization’s profile, attracting additional funding and support.
4. Create Innovative and Adaptable Programs: The ability to innovate and adapt ensures a nonprofit remains relevant and effective, even during challenging times.
During the pandemic, F4CA pivoted to virtual programming, ensuring students could continue learning and connecting despite disruptions. Multiple campers, who started during these virtual sessions, thrived in the format and eventually returned for in-person camps, where they excelled further. This adaptability kept the organization’s mission alive and thriving.
5. Focus on Long-Term Impact: A lasting legacy comes from investing in programs and people who will carry the mission forward. F4CA’s focus on creating career pathways ensures its impact extends far beyond the duration of a single camp. One student who attended multiple camps is now pursuing a degree in culinary arts, running a side business, and aspiring to open a restaurant honoring their ancestors’ cuisine while also mentoring our current campers. By investing in the futures of our students, F4CA is creating a ripple effect that will resonate for generations.
How has the pandemic changed your definition of success?
The pandemic has reshaped the way I, as well as the Foundation for Culinary Arts define success. The pandemic reinforced our mission to provide equity in education and open doors for under-resourced youth interested in the culinary field. Success isn’t about perfection, but rather staying focused on our purpose, ensuring every program, partnership, and decision reflects our mission of empowering the next generation through culinary arts. Pre-pandemic we focused so much on numbers but have since shifted the focus from traditional growth metrics (which we still utilize) to resilience, adaptability, and meaningful impact in the lives of the students and communities we serve. The pandemic reinforced that true success lies in the impact we have on individual lives. Whether it’s a student finding their passion for culinary arts through our camps or a camper using the skills they’ve gained to start a business, attend college or help with caring for their family, our work’s success is measured in the opportunities we create and the futures we help shape. Having been forced to adapt quickly to the circumstances brought on by the pandemic has now shown us the value of our ability to rise to challenges and not only survive but thrive in uncertain times. So many of the things we took for granted as a given, we now see as a way to define our success as an organization.
How do you get inspired after an inevitable setback?
It is not easy to navigate setbacks, but I try to remember that having setbacks doesn’t define you, but how you handle them does. So with that in mind, I try to reframe setbacks as learning moments and an opportunity to grow — so I think about what happened, could it have been avoided, what I could have done differently and then move on from it. After I analyze it, I take a step back and allow myself some grace to decompress before pushing forward. When I am ready to move forward I think about what I want to achieve and then revisit positive moments and wins in my personal and professional life to reinforce that the setback is just one part of a story filled with many successes. And I cannot stress this enough and it’s something I say to my campers — surround yourself with positive, inspiring, supportive people and that will make handling setbacks easier.
We are very blessed that very prominent leaders read this column. Is there a person in the world who you would like to talk to, to share the idea behind F4CA? He, she, or they might just see this, especially if we tag them. 🙂
I would love to speak with MacKenzie Scott. I admire her and her commitment to using her wealth to promote a better world.
You’re doing important work. How can our readers follow your progress online?
There are so many ways!
- Websites: f4ca.org, www.foundationforculinaryarts.org and www.yeschefcamp.org
- Social media: Facebook, Twitter/X, and Instagram @F4Cachi and @yeschefcamp
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/f4cachi
- And don’t forget to sign up for our mailing list when you visit our website!
Thank you for a meaningful conversation. We wish you continued success with your mission.
About The Interviewer: Karen Mangia is one of the most sought-after keynote speakers in the world, sharing her thought leadership with over 10,000 organizations during the course of her career. As Vice President of Customer and Market Insights at Salesforce, she helps individuals and organizations define, design and deliver the future. Discover her proven strategies to access your own success in her fourth book Success from Anywhere and by connecting with her on LinkedIn and Twitter.
High Impact Philanthropy: Catherine De Orio Of Foundation for Culinary Arts On How To Leave A… was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.