The esteemed James Beard Foundation (JBF) navigated shifting tides over the past few years as restaurant culture, including toxic work environments and reprehensible behavior, came into sharper focus. To their credit, ongoing calls for diversity and inclusion led to the cancellation of the annual James Beard Awards in 2020 and 2021 to allow for a period of self-examination, an internal audit, and changes to the policies and procedures of the Awards, the equivalent of the Oscars in the culinary world.

With a passion for cultural inclusiveness, Liberian-born and New York-based Dawn Padmore joined JBF as Vice President of Awards in 2021, having had extensive experience in culinary events and a decades-long history of working with the James Beard Awards. In her role, Dawn works with the volunteer committees, JBF staff, and trustees to shape the future of the Awards, including the 2022 Awards to be held in June 2022.

Prior to joining JBF, Dawn gained extensive experience as part of teams conceptualizing and producing culinary events and festivals such as the New York City Wine and Food Festival and Harlem EatUp!, an annual festival of food and culture that showcases the talents of Harlem-based and nationally acclaimed chefs and personalities. During COVID, with the festival canceled, Dawn served as producer on a one-hour televised Harlem EatUp! fundraising special on ABC7 New York.

Listen as Dawn and host, Brad Johnson, discuss the revitalized and more equitable James Beard Awards' focus, policies, categories and application process (Open Call deadline is 11/30/21). Dawn's enthusiasm is encouraging and reflects a commitment to accessibility. We also learn a bit more about this upbeat and affable woman who immigrated from Liberia during a coup d'état, the draw to New York City, her career path leading to her position with JBF, and her other talent as an accomplished, classically trained soprano who was invited to sing at the inauguration of the Republic of Liberia’s President, Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, the first female African president, and performed for Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Bishop Desmond Tutu.

* * *

Please follow @CornerTableTalk on Instagram and Facebook

For more information on host Brad Johnson or to join our mailing list, please visit: https://postandbeamhospitality.com/

For questions or comments, please e.mail: info@postandbeamhospitality.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.