Team & Member Leadership

Justin works for Catalyst Kitchens because the restaurant industry afforded him every opportunity to grow and develop as a professional. Good food is for everyone, and preparing it is a noble pursuit that deserves stable careers and wages. Justin has worked in direct service, program management and program growth in food and education nonprofits for over 15 years, and has been with Catalyst Kitchens since 2017. He has worked in and consulted on all facets of the Catalyst Kitchens model – workforce development, culinary education, hunger relief, and social enterprise. His passion is in helping small programs grow and flourish. Prior to joining Catalyst Kitchens, he worked for two of its members as a Chef Trainer, first at Inspiration Corporation in Chicago, IL, then in Seattle at Farestart. Justin holds a Master of Nonprofit Administration from North Park University, and a B.A. in Sociocultural Anthropology and Gender Studies from the University of Notre Dame.

Benita works for Catalyst Kitchens because she is a living beneficiary of the work of her grandparents, who raised their own food and fed a community for decades, creating opportunities for generations to eat, work, and flourish. As the Director of Development, Benita implements a fundraising plan that advances the mission and strategic goals of Catalyst Kitchens through effective development operations and systems. Previously, Benita held fundraising and nonprofit management positions with Newcomers’ Network and Our Family Table Foundation in metro Atlanta. Her development experience includes launching signature events, grant writing, leveraging corporate sponsors, and designing peer-to-peer campaigns to support social enterprises, culinary training, and literacy. Benita’s professional goals and personal pursuits have always aligned with the motto of her alma mater, Princeton University– “In the nation’s service and the service of humanity.”

Dina works for Catalyst Kitchens because she is passionate about collaborating with community-based organizations to ensure staff, educators, and students are positioned for success. Dina is a chef and educator with over 35 years in the hospitality industry. She has enjoyed many experiences — cooking in restaurants and catering operations, teaching and designing post-secondary and workforce development-based education programs, leading diverse teams, and operating social enterprises. Before joining the national staff at Catalyst Kitchens, Dina worked for one of its Model Members as Director of Culinary Enterprises – UMOM New Day Centers in Phoenix, Arizona. She also served on the Catalyst Kitchens Member Advisory Council. Dina holds an Associate in Occupational Studies degree from the Culinary Institute of America, a Bachelor of Arts degree in Liberal Arts from Johnson State College, and a Master of Science degree in Higher Education from Walden University. She is certified by the American Culinary Federation as an Executive Chef and Culinary Educator and a Hospitality Educator with the American Hotel and Lodging Association. In 2023, Dina was inducted into the American Academy of Chefs.

Ms. Hughes is on the board of CK because as a proud, queer, elder member of this amazing community of social activists, she feels it is her responsibility to share and give back what she has learned and experienced in non-profits and the hospitality industry. Ms. Hughes has been with Project Renewal since 1992, serving first as an instructor for the award-winning Culinary Arts Training Program. She later helped launch City Beet Kitchens in 1997 (originally branded Comfort Foods), a social enterprise catering company employing formerly homeless individuals and preparing foods for both shelters and other organizations across the city. Ms. Hughes has more than 30 years of experience in the New York City restaurant industry and has spent much of her life as an activist for the HIV/AIDS community. She is currently the President of the Board of the Treatment Action Group, an independent AIDS research and policy think tank. Ms. Hughes earned a BA in Music from Westchester University of Pennsylvania.

Patrick McCune is on the board of Catalyst Kitchens because his heartfelt motivation is to be able to help people. He does that locally as Workforce Operations Manager at the West Side Catholic Center and is honored to serve in the role as Vice President of the Catalyst Kitchens Member Board. Graduating top of his class with an associate’s degree focused in culinary arts/chef training from the Pennsylvania Institute of Culinary Arts, McCune worked his way up from humble beginnings in the kitchen as a dish machine operator, prep cook, line cook and kitchen manager. His love of food stems from growing up in a military household that moved all over the East Coast. Often on their own, McCune and his siblings had to cook for themselves. That turned into a love affair with food preparation, which the chef now works to pass along to his students through the WSCC program. Over the last year, the program has placed graduates in the West Side Catholic Center’s Ohio City Pizzeria, as well as with the Compass Group, Hyde Park Restaurant Group, Green Rooster Farms and Fahrenheit. His proudest and most cherished moniker is Husband and Father. Dad of four amazing daughters and husband to his beloved Suzie, a.k.a. Suge.

“The path that God has placed me on has taken me to many places and now that I am part of the amazing West Side Catholic Centers team I couldn’t be happier. “

Heather is on the board of Catalyst Kitchens because she believes in the collective power of our training kitchens to transform lives and shift the trajectories of generations. Heather Martin has been with Providence for 7 years, serving in many roles related to fundraising, marketing, operations, and expansion. She is currently the Senior Director of Strategic Partnerships, with duties across their hunger relief and training programs. Heather graduated from Wake Forest University with a B.A. in Spanish and Latin American Studies and went on to earn her MBA from Regent University. She also has a certificate in Non-Profit Management from Duke University.

Kit Horita is on the board of Catalyst Kitchens because she is passionate about supporting the incredible work that the member organizations do across the United States. Kit has been working with employment-based social enterprises since her time as an AmeriCorps member at the International Rescue Committee in 2017. She has been associated with Kitchens for Good since 2020 and has served in various roles: Case Manager, Career Coach, Program Coordinator, and, most recently, Program Manager. Growing up in her parents’ NYC and Montauk restaurants, Kit now considers herself incredibly lucky to be able to combine her passion for working at nonprofits and the food service industry. Kit holds an MSc in Applied Linguistics/TESOL from the University of Aberdeen, Scotland, and a BA in International Studies and Sociology from Marymount Manhattan College. She also holds a Certificate of Non-Profit Management from UMass Global.

Amanda is on the board of Catalyst Kitchens because she believes that everyone should have the opportunity to pursue education to achieve their dream career, regardless of the barriers that they may face. Amanda has spent the majority of her professional career as an instructor, support staff, or coordinator for programs that have benefitted both special populations and neurotypical students. She has been in the non-profit sector for almost 15 years and has spent the last 5 as the Curriculum Specialist for Arc Broward’s Post-Secondary Certificate Programs in Sunrise, FL. These programs include an Entry-Level Culinary Arts program that delivers quality education and certification opportunities to neurodiverse individuals through their social enterprise, Arc Culinary. Growing up with parents that owned a deli and catering company in the Philadelphia suburbs, food service has been in her blood since she could reach the counter. Amanda has her Master’s degree in Education, is a Certified Higher Education Professional (Max Knowledge), a Certified Hospitality Instructor (American Hotel and Lodging Educational Institute), and has multiple Train the Trainer certifications (CPR/First Aid, DSPaths, and PCM) that allow her to provide professional development for her peers– all of which assist in developing the best experience possible to support the students in her programs. Amanda has spent the majority of her professional career as an instructor, support staff, or coordinator for programs that have benefitted both special populations and neurotypical students.

Ben is on the Board of Catalyst Kitchens because he is passionate about helping equip and support those who are on the frontlines doing the important work that our member organizations are doing every day. Ben has been working with employment based social enterprises within the hospitality industry since 2016. He is has worked both as a professional chef and restauranteur, as well as within the non-profit social service and faith-based sectors. In addition to his non-profit and restaurant work, Ben is an ordained pastor. He has a Master of Divinity degree from the University of Theology & Spirituality, as well as a Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy from the University of Connecticut. Ben currently serves on the Board of Directors for the City of Hartford Chamber of Commerce and is a commissioner for the city on the Hartford Food Policy Commission. Ben is passionate about leadership development, equity within the hospitality industry, and LGBTQ+ issues. He lives, works, and (usually) eats in Hartford, CT.

Keri is on the Catalyst Kitchens board because she wants to support the organization that helped her so much when she started out, and wants to share the knowledge she’s gained since with new members. Keri joined Common Grounds in October 2020 after a long career in the culinary and nonprofit worlds. Her culinary career includes stints cooking at restaurants in Boston and Miami, and teaching culinary classes to children and adults. She has written for publications such as Cook’s Illustrated, Fine Cooking, The Philadelphia Inquirer and Saveur, and co-authored or contributed to numerous cookbooks. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in History from Brandeis University, an Associate’s degree in Culinary Arts from Johnson & Wales and is in the process of becoming a certified Trauma-Competent Professional.

Jennifer is on the board of Catalyst Kitchens because she has experienced firsthand the value of the network, which helped her develop and launch two successful training programs based on the CK model. She believes the collective impact of the network can be leveraged for even greater good. Flanagan is the executive director/founder of Community Kitchen Pittsburgh (CKP), a Model Member in the Catalyst Kitchens network. Flanagan has spent the last 22 years working in and around nonprofit social enterprises and believes strongly in finding market solutions to address social problems. Before starting Community Kitchen, she worked as a venture advisor for a regional social enterprise accelerator, responsible for assisting nonprofits with the research, planning, launch, and growth of social enterprise businesses. Prior to working at the county, she served as Chief Business Development Officer for Lutheran Service Society of Western PA, where, in 2006, she launched her first culinary training program after meeting David Carleton, way back in 2003, and learning about the CK model (then called Kitchens with Mission). Neither that venture nor Community Kitchen could have been as successful without the guidance and support of the Catalyst Kitchens Network.

Paul Fordham is on the Catalyst Kitchens board to invest in the continued growth of a nonprofit network that has given so much to the culinary training programs at Homeward Bound of Marin, where I work. I would like to share whatever might be useful and advocate for the value of the network as an active contributor and beneficiary. Paul has served as Homeward Bound’s deputy director since 2010, moving to become co-leader of the organization in 2022. He also served six previous years as Development Director, helping to launch new fundraising strategies and build the agency’s social enterprise businesses. Fueled by a belief in the power and possibility of change, Paul helped Homeward Bound launch nationally replicated programs such as the first Nonprofit IPO. In 2020, he received a Nonprofit Leadership Award from the North Bay Business Journal for his work with Homeward Bound. Before Catalyst Kitchens formed our member board, Paul was a member of the Catalyst Kitchens Advisory Council from 2019-2021.

Makeda is a board member of Catalyst Kitchens because along with food, Chef Makeda has a true passion for people. Born and raised in Louisville KY Chef Makeda Freeman Woods quickly developed a love for all things culinary. Since a little girl, Chef Makeda understood the impact of preparing meals with love. By the time she was 10 years old Chef Makeda was preparing meals for her family. Prior to becoming a chef she worked in youth development, creating and facilitating programs and experiences that engaged youth in a positive impactful way. One program that stands out was a collaborative effort with Attallah Shabazz, eldest daughter of Malcolm X. “Mirror Mirror” was designed to connect young Black girls with Successful Black woman who share the same background. In 2016 Chef Makeda had an opportunity to turn her passion into purpose and start her career in the culinary arts field. She participated in a culinary program called Chefs for success and won a full scholarship to culinary school. She left her job an embarked on her new journey. Attending class during the day working in kitchens at night. She continued to work and study her craft immersing herself in Caribbean, Asian, and West African flavors honoring the culinary contributions of my ancestors. Chef Makeda is a graduate of Sullivan University. She is currently the Executive Chef and Culinary Instructor at Common Table culinary arts program. She has trained many young chefs providing guidance and mentorship. She is also owner and Executive Chef of Sista Chefs Culinary Experience.

Christie Ison is on the Catalyst Kitchen board because she believes in community and the power it can have to change the world. When she was first doing research on what would become Food Jobs Work in North Little Rock, Arkansas, her first contacts immediately recommended getting involved with Catalyst.
Christie has a unique combination of experiences that have afforded her a broad perspective in leading her organization. Her original background (BS in Journalism/PR, Arkansas State University) is in public relations, serving at agencies and nonprofits, and she holds the Accredited in Public Relations (APR) designation from the Public Relations Society of America. She later transitioned to the culinary industry and completed an AA in Culinary Arts at UA-Pulaski Technical College Culinary Arts and Hospitality Management Institute. She also serves as chairperson of the Arkansas Hospitality Association board and as a member of the Little Rock Workforce Development Board.

Paul is on the Catalyst Kitchens Board because I enjoy collaborating with likeminded thought leaders who provide food and job training programs that encourage self-sufficiency and improve the quality of life of its patrons. Paul joined TASK’s staff in 2011 and is currently the Chief Operating Officer. Paul has more than 30 years’ experience working in the food industry. He graduated from the New York Restaurant School with honors and is a Certified ServSafe Instructor, and a Registered ServSafe Examination Proctor. He also holds a ServSafe Certification and Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) Certification. In my spare time I am a member of the Freehold Borough Volunteer Fire Department.

Monique Lopez is on the Board of Catalysts Kitchens because she truly believes in the movement to end joblessness for those most in need through foodservice job training & social enterprise. With more than 15 years of non-profit experience, Monique Lopez specializes in program evaluation, database implementation, big picture organizational strategy, Theory of Change (TOC) articulation, and performance management. With both an evaluation and programmatic background, she brings a unique blend of experience to large-scale evaluation initiatives that include strategic planning, outcome development, TOC implementation, continuous quality improvement, and organizational learning. She is responsible for Evaluation & Learning, Information Technology, Social Enterprise, Coordinated Entry, and Government Grant Writing. Monique holds a B.A. in Sociology from U.C. Berkeley and an M.S. in Justice Studies from San Jose State University. Monique is a Certified Administrator of Efforts to Outcomes (ETO).

Anna McDermott is on the board of Catalyst Kitchens because I believe that we need to leverage our combined knowledge and experience to provide the most impactful programs for our students and communities. Anna has worked for the Food Bank of Delaware for 16 years in diverse roles within the organization. For the past 9 years, her primary focus has been programs intended to help food insecure Delawareans increase their financial security and economic mobility. She was instrumental in expanding the organization’s workforce development programs to the warehousing industry and expanding the culinary training programs to better serve individuals with disabilities. She also shifted the focus of the nutrition education programs from direct education to policy, system and environmental changes to provide stronger outcomes for participants and to address federal funding priorities. She holds a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from University of Delaware.

Dr. Kira O’Brien is a Catalyst Kitchens Board Member because she believes that tables are better when more people are seated at them and the culinary world presents a unique opportunity to achieve just that. Kira is the New York Director and CHRO of Emma’s Torch, a non-profit social enterprise based in New York whose mission is refugee empowerment through culinary education. Emma’s Torch features an 11-week fully paid culinary training program where students benefit from classroom education as well as hands-on training in one of our cafes, Before joining Emma’s Torch, Kira’s career as a Social Worker spanned from welcoming newly arrived refugees at the International Rescue Committee to supporting undergraduates in social justice work at Princeton University. Kira’s doctoral research focused on the role of experiential education in empowerment: how learning through doing can shape who we are and how we see ourselves in the world. She can think of no better examples for this than right in the kitchen at Emma’s Torch and on the Board of Catalyst Kitchens.

Marisa works for Catalyst Kitchens because the food industry opened so many doors for her after being a career-changer twice over. She also enjoys the collaboration among like-minded individuals who share her passion for food, education and opportunities. Marisa has 15 years of experience as a professional chef and for several years has been part of Bread Line, Inc., an inclusive anti-hunger non-profit organization in Fairbanks, Alaska. She holds a BAS in Culinary Management from the Art Institutes in Chicago and a BA in Communications from Loyola University. Aside from her passion for food and cooking, Marisa is a creative and enthusiastic teacher who believes in giving everyone an opportunity to live their best life despite any barriers they experience. “Where you come from is not as important as where you are going.

Chef Derrick Purcell (PCII, FPM) is on the Catalyst Kitchens board because he is dedicated to serving the community, and he was taught we are blessed and to be a blessing. He is the Culinary Director of the Franciscan Center of Baltimore. He oversees food and beverage operations, supervises, plans, and coordinates all food and beverage production services on and off site as it relates to the center. Chef Derrick is responsible for planning, developing, coordinating, implementing, and growing programs such as Dignity Plates Training Academy and social enterprises such as Dignity Plates Catering.
Innovation, excellence, and evolving with current trends are Chef Derrick Purcell’s culinary creed. He has used his talents to foster an impeccable reputation within the catering and hospitality industry. Professionally developed at the Culinary Institute of America, he received a dual certification of Pro Chef Level II (CIA) and Certified Chef de Cuisine (ACF, 2009). Chef Derrick served two terms as President of the Greater Baltimore Chapter of the American Culinary Federation, was the former Vice Conseiller Culinaire of the Chaîne des Rôtisseurs, and currently sits on the Board of Directors for the Restaurant Association of Maryland, The Samaritan Woman Institute for Shelter Care, and Catalyst Kitchens. Chef Derrick brings over 20 years of experience in the hospitality industry. Firmly established as a leader in the front and back of the house, He has proven strengths in project management, operations, team leadership, development, and excellent communication skills. Chef Derrick is known for setting benchmarks with his innovation and strategic vision in client-focused environments.
Born and raised in Baltimore, Chef Derrick and his beautiful wife, Maria Purcell, have four incredible daughters, Mia, Miah, Candace, and Madison, one son-in-love, Terrell, and twin grandkids, Monroe, and Myles.