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 Legacy 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 that their career paths are diverse, equitable, and sustainable. The Legacy Network will select 20 participants—10 advisors and 10 advisees—to participate in the program.
This 12-week virtual program enables selected advisors and advisees to expand their network and consult and receive support from fellow POC (people of color) industry professionals. Each week, led by an executive leadership coach, features leadership and mentoring sessions with all participants and specialty groups to explore how to advance professional goals and seek the necessary support to do so. Additional educational sessions vary per cohort and might include topics such as financial literacy and business marketing.
The program takes place every Monday between September 8 and December 9 (except October 13 and November 24) between 1-3 P.M. ET, and every Tuesday between September 9 and December 9 (except October 14 and November 11 and 25) at 2-3 P.M. ET. If you cannot commit to attending each session, please wait to apply until that is possible. Full attendance is a requirement of the program.
“My advisor helped me out a lot... she’s more than a mentor she’s a friend; someone I’ll remain in contact with after the program. I’m looking forward to working with her in the future to help me achieve my goals of becoming a successful restaurant business owner.” – 23/24 Legacy Network Advisee
“The opportunity to connect and network with other minorities in the food space who may have successfully tackled issues I’m currently/potentially facing. Sharing knowledge and practices that I have utilized in business with my mentee. Being a cohort of the JBF Foundation has been one of the most rewarding experiences. The relationships are invaluable, and I hope to continue growing them.” – 23/24 Legacy Network Advisor
Questions? Contact: impactforward@jamesbeard.org
Applications for the fall 2025 cohort are open from Monday, April 14 to Sunday, May 11, 11:59 P.M. ET.
Program Details
The eligibility requirements for all Legacy Network 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
Reside within the United States and territories
Ready to set realistic professional goals to start/complete over the course of the program
Committed to mandatory attendance for each session, as outlined in the application
Committed to active engagement with your advisor or advisee
Committed to filling out mandatory JBF follow-up surveys upon completion of the program
Advisors
Minimum ten years' experience in the culinary, wine & beverage, and/or hospitality industry
Current or 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, wine/spirits & beverages, and/or hospitality industry experience with career plans for at least additional five years
Early-stage business owners (less than 3 years as a business owner/entrepreneur)
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 the future
Applicants who have not participated in a JBF program over the last 12 months might be prioritized.
Not sure if you should apply to the program? Join the Legacy Network Informational Webinar on Wednesday, April 23 at 12:00 P.M. ET to learn about the application process and program details. The webinar will feature Legacy Network alumni and conclude with a Q&A.
2025 Legacy Network Applications Open – Monday, April 14, 2025
Legacy Network Application Closes – Sunday, May 11, 2025
All Applicants Notified – July 2025
2025 Legacy Network Program Launch – Monday, September 8, 2025
2025 Legacy Program Concludes – Tuesday, December 9, 2025
The Legacy Network program takes place virtually with 12 weeks of scheduled programming held weekly on Mondays and Tuesdays ranging from one to two hours sessions facilitated by an executive leadership coach and JBF staff.
92% of Advisors state that they are very confident in their mentoring abilities by program end.
80% of Advisees ranked support received from Legacy Advisors as high or above.
82% All Legacy participants are in the early stages of meeting or met their professional goals.
FAQs
There are no fees to apply or participate in the program.
The Legacy Network program does not offer compensation for participation in the program.
While the program is 100% virtual, 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 program runs over the course of 12 weeks and attendance is mandatory for all participants. Sessions run on Mondays from 1:00 to 3:00 P.M. ET and on Tuesday from 2:00 P.M. to 3:00 P.M. ET.
Paired advisors and advisees also participate in regular check-ins with each other over the course of the program.
Advisees also commit to serve as a Legacy Network advisor in the future (at least five years).
Sign up for our emails at the bottom of the page to receive regular updates on the Legacy Network and other JBF Institute programming. The James Beard Foundation social media channels also announce application details. The fall 2025 cohort applications for both advisors and advisees open on April 14 and close on May 11, 2025.
Visit the JBF Impact page to learn about all of the research, training programs, and resources that JBF offers to the industry.
The online application requires your resume, two letters of recommendation, and essay/video responses.
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 letterhead and include the reference(s)' contact information. Please note, the Legacy team may contact your references for verification.
