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Marianne Ali

Chef Marianne Ali, the first Catalyst for Change Award Winner

Catalyst Kitchens presents the first CK Annual Award in recognition of an individual from the CK network whose outstanding service and dedication to empowering lives through job training has made a significant impact to individuals, their community, and the field of food service social enterprise. 

The first recipient of this award is the very special Chef Marianne Ali, Director of Culinary Job Training at DC Central Kitchen. Marianne embodies the spirit of this award; she has given her heart and talent to supporting student goals and the success of DCCK. 

Marianne Ali cooks with president clinton

Here are a few statistical highlights from Marianne’s eighteen years of service at DCCK: 

  • Named a 2014 White House Champion of Change
  • 102 annual graduates, a new organizational best for DCCK
  • Graduated milestone 100th culinary class
  • Increased graduates’ average starting wages by more than $1.00 per hour
  • Developed innovative new intake scorecard
Read more about Marianne’s and DCCK’s impact Learn about David Carleton and the Founder’s Fund Contribute to Catalyst Kitchens

Past Winners

Every year since 2015, our network has honored the amazing work of someone making a difference and changing lives through work in a member program.  Read about their stories by clicking below.

2020/21: Jacqueline “Jackie” Gibbs, Santa Fe YouthWorks

Her day begins with heading into YouthWorks’ kitchen, checking in with trainees and staff members to get the crew prepared for making 150 emergency shelter meals, including breakfast, lunch and dinner. Afterwards, she cooks in-house meals for YouthWorks’ crews and office staff. While leading those tasks, she manages a team of 15-20 staff and trainees throughout the day as they prepare and distribute meals for numerous sites across Santa Fe.

Carla and her team
2019: Carla Domingo, Forge City Works

When hitting a rough patch in life, a listening ear and compassionate spirit can make all the difference. Meet Carla Domingo, workforce development employment navigator at Forge City Works, a longtime restauranteur turned teacher and counselor for youth and adult culinary training students. She has walked alongside students for six years throughout their transition from student to intern to employee and is our 2019 Catalyst for Change Award winner.
2018: Jeru Gobeze, Fresh Grounds Cafe

We recognize that it takes a village to drive successful culinary job training programs; from delivering life skills to demonstrating knife cuts in the kitchen, there are many hands involved in supporting students. The Catalyst for Change Award was created in 2015 to recognize exemplary individuals within our network for their dedication and embodiment of their organization’s mission. We want to shine a spotlight on those dedicating their time, passion, and resources to guide their students towards a successful career path in foodservice.
Idalia accepting her award with her students at her side
2017: Idalia Nuñez, Feed Hope Now/Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida

Idalia Nuñez has been a part of the SHFBCF Culinary Training Program since its very beginning, in 2013, and has helped create a program where “students are valued, respected, supported and trained for a healthy self-sufficient life.” Through her diligent efforts, the program has maintained a remarkable 100% job placement rate for graduates over the five years of operations. Idalia is committed to the Life Skills portion of the curriculum and is “always seeking out and fostering excellent relationships with employers and working tirelessly to secure sustainable streams of revenue to keep the program strong and meaningful.”