National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation

We all know restaurants play a big role in our communities—but it’s the people behind them who truly drive change. The Restaurants Advance Leadership Awards (RALA) celebrate those standout leaders who go above and beyond to create opportunity, uplift others, and lead with purpose.

Time is running out to submit your nomination for one of these prestigious honors:

⭐ Inclusion Innovator Award
⭐ Community Champion Leadership Award, presented by American Express
⭐ Thad and Alice Eure Ambassador of Hospitality Award, presented by Ecolab
⭐ My Journey Leadership Award, presented by PepsiCo

Nominate a changemaker today: https://bit.ly/3TftQSn

We can't wait to be back in Washington, D.C. for the third annual Conference. 🍽

Join more than 200 workforce development stakeholders and partners from Justice Agencies, Community-Based Organizations, State Restaurant Associations and beyond to learn about the wide variety of pathways in the hospitality industry through hands-on workshops and interactive conversations.

Learn more: https://bit.ly/4eyR7Zk

When Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans in 2005, Chef Gary LeBlanc wanted to help people affected by natural disasters by providing food. That's when Mercy Chefs was born - a non-profit organization that has served over 25 million restaurant-quality meals to people affected by disasters since its inception in 2006.

Last year, we proudly honored Chef LeBlanc with a Restaurants Advance Leadership Award. Does this sound like someone you know within your community? Find more information and nominate them for a 2025 RALA Award: https://bit.ly/3GfPEua

PS: Join us to hear from Chef LeBlanc at the 2025 Hospitality Pathways Conference in August: https://bit.ly/3IwmDuK

HAPPENING THIS WEEK: The Table in Louisville! 🍽️

We're looking forward to three impactful days built for every role, every challenge, and every opportunity in foodservice with the National Restaurant Association. Plus, hear from Head of the Multicultural Foodservice & Hospitality Alliance (MFHA) Erika Cospy Carr.

Learn more: https://bit.ly/43IUPvE

Happy from the NRAEF. 🎇 We’re proud to support members of the U.S. Military by helping them transition into restaurant careers with job-ready skills and training.

Here's to independence, opportunity, and those who make it all possible. 🇺🇸

The Hospitality Pathways Conference is back for 2025 and registration is officially OPEN! 🔓

Join us August 21-22 in Washington, D.C. for an energizing event filled with networking, workshops, and real-world strategies to strengthen workforce programs and expand career pathways in the restaurant and hospitality industry.

From apprenticeships to industry skills tours, mentorship to mock interviews, we’re diving into it all. We'll see you there: https://bit.ly/4eyR7Zk

Congratulations to Services To Enhance Potential What's Cooking members who received their Certificates of Completion from the Restaurant Ready Program. 👏

They learned essential skills from ServSafe, knife safety, customer service and beyond to provide real-world experience to help dividuals build confidence and employable skills to strengthen the restaurant industry.

Time is running out to nominate an industry leader who makes an impact for the Restaurants Advance Leadership Awards (RALA). ⌛️

You have until June 30 to submit your nominations in the following categories:
⭐️ Inclusion Innovator Award
⭐️ Community Champion Leadership Award, Presented by American Express
⭐️ Thad and Alice Eure Ambassador of Hospitality Award, Presented by Ecolab
⭐️ My Journey Leadership Award, Presented by PepsiCo

For full details and nomination forms, visit chooserestaurants.org/RALA.

🚨 HAPPENING TOMORROW! 🚨 There's still time to register for our 2 PM ET webinar on the power of skill-building in the restaurant industry. 🍽️

With 70+ vocations and over 2,000 career pathways, the restaurant industry is bustling with opportunity — but developing the right skills is key. Learn why investing in skills matters more than ever and how NRAEF scholarships are opening doors for the next generation of industry leaders.

Don’t miss out, register now: https://bit.ly/4jsZwOC