The Black Culinarian Alliance (BCA) is a nonprofit organization that aims to advance diversity in the culinary, foodservice, and hospitality industries by creating exposure and career opportunities for professionals of color. The BCA connects students and professionals through mentoring programs, workshops, and networking events in order to introduce more diverse talent and support career advancement. Testimonials from chefs, instructors, and organizations highlight the significant impact and support the BCA has provided in developing diversity within the culinary field.

1. Who We Impact
“I can speak for the hundreds of students BCA
has impacted over the last few years. The
organization has provided the mentoring
Different Cultures • One Direction
support needed that has been the spark for the
them to achieve the employment opportunity
to advance their careers."
Our History . . . Chef Denis Williams, Instructor, FOUNDED 1993
South Bronx Job Corp Academy, NY
Three graduates of the CIA (the Culinary "As a long-time BCA member I can tell you
Institute of America) in Hyde Park, New York the BCA has been an invaluable resource to
A National Non-Profit
founded the Black Culinarian Alliance as an me. Assisting me in changing my career focus Culinary / Foodservice & Hospitality
Alumni Chapter in 1993. It was the first from the kitchen to become a chef instructor, Career Advancement Organization
membership of its kind for minority graduates BCA has the network and resources to make it
of a culinary institution. Incorporated in 1998 happen."
and now known simply as the BCA, we . . . Kevin Mitchell, Exec Chef & Instructor,
expanded our support to include everyone Culinary Institute of Charleston SC
interested in exploring the commonality that
currently does not exist amongst people of " BCA has enabled me to push my way to the
color in the culinary, foodservice & hospitality top. There is no other organization where
industries. chefs of diversity are connected, motivate
Our growth is a direct response to the each other, share resources and push each
challenge of advancing diversity in these other to be the best. The summer of 2009 I am
business sectors. BCA’s efforts include on Bravo's Top Chef, solely responsible is the
identifying professionals of color to become BCA."
role models and getting them involved in BCA . . . Ron Duprat, Exec Chef,
programs designed to expose this diverse new Hollywood Beach Marriott FL
workforce to career opportunities and real
work experiences. This enables established
professionals, and those embracing this
“By exposing students and chefs to the many
inclusion, to step up and share responsibility
facets of our business (construction, design,
for developing and expanding diversity.
budgets, financials, technology, food design,
The BCA continues to be there, spearheading operations, manufacturers, healthcare, hotels,
this effort, recognizing and maintaining a restaurateurs, etc.) and hands-on programs we
presence to support all minorities in the see everyday, we create the opportunity to fill
culinary, foodservice & hospitality profession. positions in our businesses while supporting
their future and long range goals.
Alex Askew
BCA President Howard ‘Kamau’ Stanford
BCA Board Chair
"In my view, no group has done more to
advance the diversity agenda than the BCA 55 West 116th Street Phone: 212.643.6570
Suite 234 Fax: 212.967.4184
and I am proud to be associated with them."
. . . Gerald A Fernandez, President New York, NY E: natty@bcaglobal.org Become a member. Help us educate
Multicultural Foodservice & Hospitality 10026 W: www.bcaglobal.org and train the workforce of the future.
Alliance

2. Different Cultures • One Direction
Our Mission Our Focus Celebrations
To advance diversity by creating exposure, To motivate students of color by introducing them
professional and educational opportunities for to the culinary arts, foodservice and hospitality Annual Cultural Awareness Salute Dinner
culinary and hospitality professionals of color. sectors as viable career options.
Our Black-Tie Gala celebrates our supporters,
diversity and honor those who have paved the
Our Supporters . . . way for the next generation. This event offers a
chance for students to network with our mem-
The involvement of our membership, sponsors and bership as well as execute all aspects of the
all those who volunteer their time to the BCA is multi-course dinner under the watchful eye of
extremely important to us and to the students we our guest chefs.
support.
Annual Global Food & Wine Experience
The BCA is unlike any other organization in the
foodservice industry; we have chosen to get This festive event features culinary sampling
involved at the grass root level and to ‘do the right from top restaurants paired with an array of the
A Few BCA Successes thing’ by promoting diversity excellence best wines from around the world. Culinary
throughout the industry. Generous corporate students work side-by-side with seasoned chefs.
• Launched ‘Students Meet the Professionals’ support and sponsorships are the reason BCA is In addition, the BCA honors and recognizes the
workshop hosted by the FoodNetwork able to maintain and develop programs focused on accomplishments of a special guest with the
• Initiated 1st BCA Student Chapter at real-life experiences and mentoring for students. Vision in Wine Award.
Johnson & Wales University, RI
• Developed ‘Student To Career In Whether the student is within the educational
Healthcare Foodservice’ with Sodexo system, someone interested in becoming a student
• Assisted in placing numerous BCA or a vocational school graduate searching for a
members in employment opportunities career opportunity, the BCA is there to support
them.
• Created new website with school to career
tools & member resources
• Have continued to involve over 200
students annually with chefs at BCA events How Can You Help?
BCA invites your participation as a:
Our Impact • Sustaining or Program Sponsor (See Our List of
Funders by Visiting Our Website)
BCA’s career building events and campus- • Student Mentor
based chapters expose a diverse group of • Participant in Workshops and Career Site Visits
dedicated individuals to culinary professionals.
Our networking and industry involvement
• Volunteer or Advisor
offer students hands-on experiences and • Board or Committee Member
professional interaction opportunities for
employment and career advancement. Through For additional information regarding the BCA,
these programs, BCA introduces this talent projects, programs and membership please contact
pool to industry professionals for future us or visit our website at:
recruitment and career development. www.bcaglobal.org