St. Louis: Journalism Award
Kisha Washington

Chef Kisha Washington is a visionary culinary artist and mental health advocate transforming lives through food and purpose. As Executive Chef and Founder of TheKeyIngredient and Cookzcreed Foundation, she blends culinary excellence with a mission to cultivate wellness in and beyond the kitchen.

With a passion for mindful cooking, mentorship, and cultural storytelling, Kisha is recognized for elevating vegetarian cuisine and championing mental health in hospitality. Her accolades include being a 7-time Top 10 finalist at the World Food Championships, a James Beard Foundation Legacy Network Program Advisor Alum (23–24), and a two-time People’s Choice winner. Kisha also serves as a judge for MD ProStart and the National ProStart Invitational as well as holding multiple certifications in suicide prevention and mental health crisis response.

A published author and award-winning chef, Kisha brings heart, resilience, and authenticity to every plate, believing that food can nourish the body—and the soul.

New England: Culinary Entrepreneurship Award
Carley Kammerer

Carley Kammerer is a licensed social worker with a decade of experience supporting youth experiencing homelessness. Her work has spanned roles including Case Manager, Street Outreach Worker, Shelter Worker, and Drop-in Advocate. In 2017, she co-founded Wildflyer Coffee in response to the barriers her clients faced in finding and maintaining employment.

As CEO of Wildflyer Coffee, Carley leads organizational strategy, development, community engagement, and growth initiatives. Under her leadership, Wildflyer has earned several accolades, including the Mutual of America Community Partnership Award, the St. Paul Business Award, and the 2024 Mission Award for Innovation.

Carley has been recognized as a Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal 40 Under 40 Honoree, a Woman Venture Social Entrepreneur Award recipient, and a Sprudge 20 Honoree for her impact in social enterprise and advocacy.

Beyond growing Wildflyer, Carley is passionate about mountain biking, training for races, and writing about the intersection of grief and entrepreneurship.

Michigan: Zingerman’s: Culinary Hospitality Award
Samantha Bonfiglio

As Executive Pastry Chef at The Pier Sixty Collection, Samantha leads the pastry production team with expertise and creativity, crafting innovative menus that delight guests year after year.

A 2010 graduate of the prestigious Culinary Institute of America, Samantha launched her career at the historic Molly Pitcher Inn in Red Bank, NJ, where she discovered her passion for high-volume production. Driven to expand her horizons, she made the leap to New York City in 2014, joining Pier Sixty as a pastry cook. Over the next decade, her talent, dedication, and leadership propelled her through the ranks to her current role.

Outside the kitchen, Samantha treasures quality time with her family, indulging her love for exploring new restaurants and cuisines.

During the summer, she can often be found soaking up the sun and surf at the Jersey Shore, her favorite escape. Samantha’s journey and passion for her craft continue to inspire both her team and the countless guests who savor her creations.

Dallas: Culinary Education: Nutrition & Culinary Medicine Award
Monique Karabach

Monique is a passionate private chef, wellness advocate, and culinary educator dedicated to helping others reconnect with food as a source of joy, healing, and empowerment.

With almost a decade of experience, she brings intention to every meal, infusing her work with creativity, compassion, and cultural depth. Through her online cooking club and coaching, Monique helps busy individuals nourish themselves and their families with ease and presence. She offers bespoke dinner and small event experiences, uniquely tailored to each client’s needs — one of the few chefs in the area providing this level of personalized service.

As a mother, holistic chef, and collective visionary, she believes that food is one of the most powerful ways we care for ourselves and others. Monique is born and raised in Texas and currently lives in Austin with her husband and young daughter.

Hawai’i: Restaurant & Agriculture Award
Liu Fang

Liu Fang was born in a coal rich area of Shandong Province, China. After losing her father to complications during open heart surgery, she was raised by her paternal grandparents. Taught to never doubt her abilities by her grandfather, Liu Fang became the youngest director for Hock Weber in the male dominated mining industry.

She fell in love with a longtime friend following the Beijing Olympics and quickly became engaged.

A food and beverage visionary, in 2010, Liu Fang cofounded what would become China’s largest and most successful craft beer brand. Following COVID19’s global disruption, Liu Fang relocated her family to America where she began training in Chinese cuisine as a way to stay connected to her culture and history. Her passion, rooted in a desire to not lose herself, quickly became a commercial expression through various pop-ups and catering events.

Abundance Culinary evolved into a residency at the James Beard Award winning restaurant, Larder Delicatessen and Bakery and by 2023 Liu Fang opened her first brick and mortar location in Cleveland Heights, OH.