Christy Vega
The Latino Restaurant Association (LRA) and others are pressuring the James Beard Foundation to increase Latino representation on its board.
“The foundation’s mission statement talks about elevating diversity, but there are no Latinos on the board,” says Christy Vega, a James Beard Award winner and owner of Casa Vega in Los Angeles. “I filed a formal ethics complaint that said, ‘You have 27 board members and not one Latino? That’s not acceptable.’”
Vega, a member of the Latino Restaurant Association board, later spoke with Beard Foundation CEO Clare Reichenbach. After that conversation, LRA CEO Lilly Rocha wrote a letter to the foundation and issued a press release about the situation.
The letter stated, in part: "Achieving diversity requires a concerted effort to identify and invite individuals who can contribute meaningfully to the Foundation's mission. By actively seeking out qualified Latino candidates who embody excellence, innovation, and a deep understanding of culinary arts, the Foundation can elevate its impact and relevance within an ever-evolving culinary landscape."
Nancy Lutktish, chair of the JBF board responded: “The James Beard Foundation is committed to a diverse and inclusive Board of Trustees, including deepening our relationship with, and increasing the representation of the Latino community. …We acknowledge the need for more Latino presence on the Board of Trustees, especially recognizing the community's invaluable contribution to the culinary industry, food culture, and the broader food system in the U.S.”