Food & Restaurants

Auzerais Bellamy

CEO & Founder Blondery

The synthesis of passion and experience has fueled what Auzerais believes is her magnum opus: Blondery, a seasonal collection of handmade blondies launched in November 2016. While Auzerais has held titles at some of the finest kitchens around the globe- including Sous Chef at Bouchon Bakery - the most fulfilling has been that of Founder and CEO of Blondery. Blondery is a one-of-a-kind, virtual bakery that presents limited-release, seasonal blondie collections throughout the year to our nearly 10K (and counting) waitlist members. Blondery has been featured on CBS mornings and in publications such as the New York Times, Cosmopolitan, and Eater. Blondery has been trusted to deliver exceptional product quality by brands like Netflix, Spotify, and Viacom.

Charlie Mitchell

Co-Founder & Executive Chef Clover Hill

Charlie Mitchell, a Detroit native, honed his skills in casual restaurants for three years before moving to New York in 2016. Inspired by the city's diverse culinary scene, he co-founded Clover Hill, earning its first Michelin star in October 2022. This achievement made him the first Black chef in New York and only the second nationwide to receive such an honor. Clover Hill was also nominated for a James Beard award. Mitchell, recognized with the NY 2022 Young Chef Award from Michelin, remains focused on perfecting his craft. Despite his rapid ascent, he prioritizes exceptional dining experiences over seeking fame.

Quie Slobert

COO Charles Pan-Fried Chicken

Chef Quie Slobert is the COO of Charles Pan-Fried Chicken. Chef Quie is also the creator of Cooking with Shirley's Son. Cooking with Shirley's Son is a program that allows our youth to foster positive images in themselves. The program allows for young people to align themselves with their passions by participating in the Chef Quie experience through cooking. Essentially cooking is the tool utilized to ignite an elevation of their positive mental fortitude in a society filled with a plethora of negative distractions. Partnering up with Avenues for Justice helps in the fulfillment of Chef Quies' mission. Aligning himself with an organization that promotes growth and development of our community adds new dimensions to his purpose. Chef Quie Slobert also works with Kelly Snider, the founder of Black Boys Wear Suits Too, which caters to young boys ages 5 to 17. By sponsoring this program Chef Quie is able to give constant inspiration to the under represented. Chef Quie who was born in Harlem and raised by a single parent understands struggle. His experience fuels his tireless ambition to succeed and his everlasting desire to help young people in their struggle. Chef Quie is forever grateful to Chef Charles of Charles Pan Fried Chicken for paving the way after 50 years of service to the community. With Chef Quie's continued tenacity to succeed "the skies the limit" as he continues to open doors of opportunity for himself and the community in his quest for boundless greatness.

Russell Jackson

Owner/Chef Reverence

As a culinary innovator within the category of “Underground Restaurants” and a noted African-American chef in California cuisine, Owner/Chef Russell Jackson is the Owner and Chef of Harlem’s fine dining restaurant, Reverence. Following graduation from the California Culinary Academy, Russell opened his first restaurant in LA, Russell's, and went on to work as a private chef for countless A-list celebrities. In 1999, Jackson moved to San Francisco to head James Beard nominated Black Cat restaurant. During the next years, Jackson would achieve notoriety and amass a cult following through his seminal restaurant creation, SubCulture Dining, a radical underground supper- club. SubCulture Dining, known by devotees as SCD, broke culinary boundaries and earned Jackson his reputation as the Dissident Chef. Emerging from the underground scene, Jackson would go on to open SF sparkler, Lafitte on Pier 5. Throughout his career, Jackson has appeared on TV shows including SF Chefs, Iron Chef America battling Chef Jose Garces, and again in the Food Network Kitchens, competing for the coveted title of Food Network Star, and starring in Off the Menu, the first original Award Winning Digital for NBC/Universal on BravoTV. In 2014, Jackson moved to New York City, and in the summer of 2019, opened the doors to his most personal project, and his first NYC restaurant, Reverence. Set in the historical Harlem neighborhood, the intimate spot serves a five-course tasting menu inspired by Jackson’s West Coast roots. Jackson continues to shoot for multiple Network projects, and serves on the Board of Directors at WHEDco.org and One Fair Wage.

Stanley Lumax

Co-Founder Teranga

As the Executive Brand Marketing Director at JP Morgan Chase, Stanley Lumax manages some of the most iconic products in the portfolio. Stanley has partnered with Complex Media Networks to create Climate, an agency dedicated to helping brands tap into the power of youth culture. He has also worked with brands including Nike Basketball, JBL, National Basketball Association, Converse, and Beats By Dre, among others. Stanley's passion for community and bringing the African Diaspora together led to him creating African Chop House, a platform to celebrate African culture through food, music and community. He has partnered with celebrated Senegalese Chef Pierre Thiam to open Teranga, a New York-based Pan African restaurant.

Chanda Chin (Moderator)

2Y Student Columbia Business School