Stronger Together: Stories of Mentorship and Community in the JBF Legacy Network

The James Beard Foundation Legacy Network trains emerging POC (people of color) leaders across the culinary industry and connects them with future generations of excellence. By developing and cultivating the capabilities of influential professionals across food and beverage, this program advances the equitable, lturally relevant leadership necessary to strengthen the industry. Over the course of this seven-month program, 15 accomplished advisors each mentor an advisee as they navigate their early careers. Under the guidance of their advisor’s mentorship, advisees join a powerful network that centers the professional growth of previously underserved communities.

This program offers a unique opportunity for those in the early and advanced stages of their career alike to receive support from fellow POC industry professionals. Here at JBF, we are driven by a commitment to design programming like the Legacy Network that drives meaningful connection and supports a resilient and flourishing industry that honors its diverse communities, celebrates those leading the way, and supporting those on the path to do so.

We are proud to continue our programming at this scale thanks to the support of partners like Legacy Network program sponsor, The Calling. The Calling is a Sonoma-based winery championing the belief that our individual spark is brighter when we light that of others. At the heart of The Calling’s mission is inspiring individuals to take the first step toward pursuits that can create a ripple of impact for themselves and their communities. As part of their support of the 2024-25 cohort, The Calling has designed new educational modules and provided a selected advisee with a fellowship comprising mentorship and in-person experiences.

The 2024-25 Legacy Network program began in September of 2024. To date, the current cohort has participated in two virtual sessions, including a virtual wine tasting and presentation to enhance a wine/beverage program, and in-person meet ups across the country. Participants hail from 19 U.S. states and represent a breadth of experiences and roles, including: front- and back-of-house; restaurant and winery leadership and/or ownership; consulting; food justice activism; community kitchens and mutual aid; certified sommeliers; diversity, equity, and inclusion; communications and media; and nutrition.

The true measure of the Legacy Network’s impact lies in the experiences of the cohort—the learnings shared and gained, the community and connections fostered. We spoke to four current participants to learn more about their experience in the program and how it has supported them in following their callings.

For advisee Briana Reamer, the Legacy Network has provided a platform to pursue her passion for storytelling through food photography:

"Being inspired by so many thoughtful chefs [has been my] favorite part of my experience," shares Reamer. "My original inspiration for being involved in the program stemmed from the rich diversity that the Foundation supports and [has continued] to develop throughout the years. I wanted to be a part of that!"

The program's collaborative environment has already opened doors for future creative partnerships. Reamer notes that "although each participant is paired with an advisor, the program fosters an environment where everyone learns from one another, building lasting connections with those who support your calling. These relationships extend far beyond the seven-month program. In fact, the rest of 2025 is already filled with plans to collaborate with four or five cohort members who are excited to support my calling—the call to photograph the enjoyment of culture!"

With experiences in restaurant management and wine already under her belt, advisee Camille Williams sought more than professional development when joining the Legacy Network—she was searching for genuine connection:

"I was looking for a community that not only understood the challenges I faced in the industry but could also help me overcome them," Williams explains. "My mentor helped me recognize the value of the experience I already had and pushed me to grow professionally in ways I had been seeking, offering the challenges I was looking for."

This mentorship has been transformative for Williams, helping her embrace her natural strengths. “My family, especially the women in my life, inspire me to follow my calling. I watched them work tirelessly and always ensure we were taken care of. I’ve since discovered that caring for and supporting others the way my family did is my greatest strength. My mentor helped me find my voice, allowing me to continue doing the work I love—rooted in care—while being respected as a leader and a voice worth listening to."

For advisors, the Legacy Network provides an opportunity to give back to the industry. Seasoned executive chef Kyronn Cordner reflects on the importance of mentorship in his own career journey:

"I love teaching, sharing knowledge, guiding, and mentoring. It's the single most important thing we can do for the people around us in our daily lives. If I didn't have that coming up as a young line cook, I wouldn't be where I'm at today."

Shachi Mehra—who built her career as an award-winning chef, entrepreneur, and Food Network’s Chopped champion—appreciates the chance to share her hard-won insights:

"As a young woman entrepreneur and business owner, I spent a lot of time forging my path, finding solutions, and 'figuring things out'. The Legacy Network gave me the opportunity to share my experiences with others, add value and insight for someone else with lessons I've learned. My favorite part of this experience has been meeting and learning from so many great, inspiring minds across the country."

The perspectives of this year's cohort showcase the true essence of the Legacy Network: a community where personal journeys become collective strength. As these relationships flourish beyond the program, they plant seeds for a more inclusive culinary industry—one where diverse voices not only find their place at the table but help design its very blueprint.