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 annual 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.

In 2022, after the passing of our founder, David Carleton, the award was renamed in his honor.  You can read more about his impact on our work here.

We ask the Catalyst Kitchens network to nominate their coworkers for the David Carleton Catalyst for Change award to shine a spotlight on those dedicating their time, passion, and resources to guide their students towards a successful career path in foodservice. After reviewing all nominations, our Member Board votes to determine the award recipient.

We are honored as always to get to build a platform and show off the work of our amazing members and their programs.  Below are the 2025 Nominees for Catalyst for Change, following the details about the award:

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The Nominees:

These may be chefs, trainers, cooks, case managers, job specialists or any of the amazing frontline staff in the CK network whose outstanding service and dedication to empowering lives through job training has made significant impact on individuals, their community, and the field of food service social enterprise.

The Perks:

The winner will receive a $2500 grant for their organization, a guaranteed travel stipend to an event next year, and more! Award recipients are profiled in our blog, brought to an event to receive their award, and recognized at our next Catalyst Kitchens National Summit. We strive to tell the story of all award nominees throughout the year to recognize their commitment to student success.

The top 5 vote-getters will all receive a special gift package from Mercer Culinary.

Nominees will all have priority access to travel stipend funding to attend Catalyst Kitchens workshops in 2026.

Every nominee will be invited to a free leadership and professional development workshop with network partner, Hospivation, helping better prepare them as future leaders in our network.

2025 Nominees

Here are the 2025 Catalyst for Change. As you read their stories, consider supporting the work of Catalyst Kitchens and our members, enabling the amazing impact of frontline staff like our nominees.

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.”

The Founder’s Fund

Through the Founder’s Fund, we honor David Carleton’s legacy and his vision for stronger programs and greater impact together. The Founder’s Fund fuels the gift each year for the Catalyst for Change Award Winner’s program, and helps us supply professional development and resources to all Catalyst for Change Nominees.

Give to the Founder’s Fund