Meet Chef Jessica Walks First! Chef Walks First is an official chef partner of The Trotter Project and owner of Ketapanen Kitchen.

Meet Paula Houde, The Trotter Project’s Executive Director! Paula is one of the co-founders of The Trotter Project, and has been an integral part of TTP and Trotter’s history for decades. 

The Chef’s Garden isn’t your average farm—it’s one of only three regenerative farms in the country, another level beyond organic. Everything Farmer Lee Jones, his team, and family do is regenerative, focusing on how they can continue to grow in healthy ways, from consistently testing their produce and soil nutrient levels, to giving back to those around them. As Farmer Lee said in our interview together, “Do the right thing because it’s the right thing to do.” Learn more about Farmer Lee’s story below, including his family’s farming history, the future of agriculture, and his special relationship with Charlie Trotter.

Say hello to Emily Yee, a 2019 Homaro Cantu scholar. Emily may have graduated Cornell University just in 2023, but she's already focused on becoming a monumental mentor, from her work in real estate investments, to helping build The Trotter Project's alumni programming. Learn more about Emily's story!

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!

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!

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!

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.

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 is a culinary instructor at Simeon Career Acadmy in Chicago and a former Trotter Project scholarship recipient. Learn more about her inspirational story here!

An interview with Chef Tiffany Williams, founder of Exquisite Catering.

An interview with Trevor Rose-Hamblin, founder of Old Irving Brewing Co., about his background, community perspective, and the Chicago Brew Fest.