The Center for the Advancement of Foodservice Education announced the 2025 Culinary Education Award recipients. Eight secondary and postsecondary culinary instructors and one culinary student were recognized at CAFÉ’s Leadership Conference for their leadership, sustainability efforts, entrepreneurship, technological abilities and community outreach. Megan McKenna, senior director of marketing and foodservice for the National Watermelon Board, also received special recognition for her contribution to CAFÉ and belief in the importance of education for the next generation of hospitality career seekers.

“I was proud of the quality leadership and top-notch commitment to culinary education exhibited by this year’s honorees,” said Mary Petersen, CAFÉ president. “Congratulations to all the award winners.” 

Each award was co-sponsored by CAFÉ and a foodservice industry partner. “Our industry sponsors help CAFÉ fulfill its mission to link culinary educators with the foodservice industry. Their thoughtful partnerships and tireless support are critical to CAFÉ’s success,” Petersen said. 

Honorees received commemorative plaques, cash prizes and complimentary full registrations to CAFÉ’s 2025 Leadership Conference held this summer in Pittsburgh.

The 2025 Culinary Education Award recipients are:

Postsecondary Educator of the Year Award, co-sponsored by Idaho Potato Commission
The winner is Tracy Figueroa, Hennepin Technical College Brooklyn Park campus, South Saint Paul, Minn. 
The runner up is Amanda Weber, Lakeshore College, Sheboygan Falls, Wisc.

Secondary Educator of the Year Award, co-sponsored by Idaho Potato Commission
The winner is Phil Cropper, Worcester Technical High School, Ocean Pines, Md.

Student of the Year Award, co-sponsored by Idaho Potato Commission
The winner is Seda Raspotnik, Nicolet College, Lake Tomahawk, Wisc. 

Entrepreneurship Award, co-sponsored by Kendall College National Louis University
The winner is Mary Levinski, Sauk Rapids-Rice High School, Sauk Rapids, Minn.

Green Award, co-sponsored by United Soybean Board
The winner is Russ Zito, Johnson & Wales University, Cumberland, R.I.

Community Outreach Award, co-sponsored by Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts
The winner is Tracy Carter, Holyoke Community College, Holyoke, Mass..

Technology Award co-sponsored by RATIONAL USA
The winner is Elizabeth DeRose, Frederick Community College, Frederick, Md.

CAFÉ Champion Award
The winner is Megan McKenna, National Watermelon Board.