What’s happening
Meet Josue Cervantes: TTP’s Next Top Chef
Meet Josue Cervantes, a 2023 Trotter Project Scholarship Recipient. At just 19 years old, Josue has a lot on his plate, but he's doing it all with a smile. Student, entrepreneur, and world-class chef honoring his ancestors, you won't want to miss our interview with Josue—or his future dining establishments!
Meet Chef Nia Spencer: The Fusion Fine-Dining Queen
Chef Nia Spencer is a fine dining fusion queen, and a bit of a unique fusion herself: She loves pushing herself to be the best in the culinary industry, and wants to do it with as much love and kindness as possible. Chef Nia is a TTP scholarship recipient we always love hearing updates about, and who is always reaching out to see how she can help the next generation of culinary students. Learn more about Chef Nia’s incredible journey from making homemade pasta in Italy, to Michelin-starred kitchens, to working with NBA players and more!
Meet Keyesa Green: Hospitality HR Extraordinaire
If you don't believe in serendipity, you will once you hear Keyesa Green's story. Keyesa received the 2021 Homaro Cantu scholarship from The Trotter Project, and the stars really did seem to align to bring her to Chicago's hospitality industry, inspired by Chef Cantu himself. Learn more about Keyesa’s journey in HR and hospitality below!
Meet Anne Trotter Hinkamp: TTP Co-Founder and Charlie’s Sister
Anne Trotter Hinkamp is The Trotter Project’s board secretary and one of the organization’s co-founders. She discusses growing up with Charlie and how the non-profit has evolved the past decade.
Meet Robert Houde: TTP’s Board President and Sommelier Extraordinaire
Robert Houde is president of the board of The Trotter Project and president of Robert Houde Wines, his own wine import and distribution company in Illinois. Read how Robert first got started with The Trotter Project, his stories with Chef Charlie Trotter, and the evolution he wants to see for the non-profit.
Chef Bran’de “Blue” Gilbert: From scholar to mentor
Chef Bran’de “Blue” Gilbert is a culinary instructor at Simeon Career Acadmy in Chicago and a former Trotter Project scholarship recipient. Learn more about her inspirational story here!
Superstar Chef: Chef Tiffany Williams, Exquisite Catering
An interview with Chef Tiffany Williams, founder of Exquisite Catering.
Crafting Dreams: The Inspiring Story of Old Irving Brewing & The Trotter Project
An interview with Trevor Rose-Hamblin, founder of Old Irving Brewing Co., about his background, community perspective, and the Chicago Brew Fest.
Uplifting Communities Through Food
NBC 5 Chicago “Making a Difference” April 18, with LeeAnn Trotter
The Trotter Project's upcoming Off the Clock Fundraiser on May 4 will help feed more dreams and build more futures.
Chef Maneet Chauhan Joins Board of Directors of The Trotter Project!
We are delighted to announce our newest Board Member!
Welcome New Trotter Project Board Member, Janie Brooks Heuck of Brooks Wine!
We are incredibly excited to welcome Janie Brooks Heuck to our Board of Directors!