The James Beard Foundation Legacy Network trains emerging leaders across the culinary industry and connects them with future generations of excellence.
Photo: Clay Williams
By developing and cultivating the capabilities among, and peer groups of, these influential professionals, the Legacy Network Program advances the equitable, culturally relevant leadership required to strengthen the industry. Each advisee under the guidance of Legacy Advisors, becomes part of a powerful network that centers the professional growth of traditionally underserved communities. The Legacy Network ensures their career paths are diverse, equitable, and sustainable. Legacy Network will select 30 participants, 15 Advisors and 15 Advisees to participate in the program.
Program Overview/Benefits
This seven-month virtual program enables selected Advisors and Advisees to participate in an opportunity to expand their network and consult and receive support from fellow POC industry professionals. Each month, led by an executive leadership coach, features webinars with all participants and specialty groups, or pods, to explore how to advance professional goals and seek the necessary support to do so. Additional educational training includes financial literacy, mental wellness, and media content and strategy courses will be offered as part of this year’s curriculum. Legacy Network alums also have access to additional program opportunities as they become available.
The follow eligibility requirements for all applicants include:
Identify as a member of the People of Color (POC) community; Black/African- American and Indigenous applicants are prioritized
LGBTQIA+ applicants are welcomed
21 years of age or older
Resides within the United States and territories
Full commitment to and participation in all Legacy program sessions (25 to 30 hours total)
Commitment to complete all JBF required surveys and events
Realistic professional goals to start/complete over the course of the program
Advisors
Minimum five years' experience in the culinary, food journalism, and/or hospitality industry
Current of former owner/manager of a culinary/hospitality business
A strong interest and passion to serve in a leadership role as a mentor; no previous experience required
Advisees
Less than five years culinary, food journalism, and/or hospitality industry experience with career plans for at least additional five years
Has personal goals and aspirations best served by mentorship and peer-to-peer networking
Open to feedback
Commitment to serve as a Legacy advisor in five years
2025-26 Program Timeline
Over seven months (September 2025 to March 2026), program participants will develop relationships across the Legacy Network.Launching in early September and over three weeks, Advisors will participate in 10 hours of executive leadership coaching. Advisees will also work with an Executive Leadership Coach prior to the start of Legacy calls with the 2025-26 program participants. Legacy Advisors will engage regularly on Advisees’ goals and benchmarks and provide them with support.
Program Highlights/Success
92% Advisors very confident level in their mentoring abilities by program end.
80% Advisees ranked support received from LNP Advisors as high or above.
100 program participants (2021-2025)
82% All Legacy participants are in the early stages or met their professionals (Sept. 23- Mar.24)
FAQs
There are no fees to apply or participate in the program.
The Legacy Network is not a paid program. Advisees will receive access to various network opportunities. The advisors will receive a small stipend as compensation for their time and services.
The program is predominately virtual, however, parts of the program may include travel within the United States. Legacy applicants must currently reside in and have a valid mailing address for the United States and territories to be eligible for the program.
The Legacy Network begins mid-September 2024 and runs until March 2025. Legacy Network participants are required to attend all scheduled virtual meetings on Sunday, Mondays, and Tuesdays averaging three hours per month over the course of seven months. Advisees also commit to serve as a Legacy Network advisor five years after completing their Legacy program. program.
Applications for the 2024-25 cohort are closed. Stay tuned for updates on the next application cycle.
The online application requires a resume, two headshot photos, two letters of recommendation (Advisees only), and one video essay submission. next application cycle.
The Legacy Network is open to all BIPOC; Black/African American and Indigenous heritage candidates will be prioritized.
• Advisee applicants must be at least 18 years old and Advisors at least 21 years old.
• All applicants must have a valid mailing address in the United States and territories. essay submission. next application cycle.
Check out our Chef Bootcamp for Policy and Change and Women's Leadership Programs.
Recommendations are best secured by individuals you have worked with in a professional capacity, such as a former/current instructor, educator, or mentor. The people you’ve identified as your reference should be able to confidently formalize your professional relationship and experience in the culinary industry. All recommendations should be placed on a letterhead and include the reference(s)' contact information. Please note, the Legacy team may contact your references for verification.
