Jennifer Breckner, is director of programs and special projects for the strategic initiatives group at The Culinary Institute of America (CIA) where she hosts high-energy, high-impact industry conferences such as the flagship Worlds of Flavor, widely considered one of the most prestigious in the industry, the health and sustainability focused Global Plant-Forward, and the now retired Flavor Summit. Here, she curates thoughtful, inclusive programs with the world’s most interesting, creative, and relevant chefs, food scholars, sector experts, and nonprofit professionals that educate foodservice operators on the culinary, environmental, and cultural shifts that are changing the industry and American menus. In addition, she also leads the Healthy Menus R&D Collaborative, which advances the development of healthy menu solutions for volume foodservice operations. Bridging the worlds of art and food, Jennifer possesses a master’s degree in arts administration and policy, and a master’s degree in art history, theory, and criticism, both from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago where her research focused on meals constructed by artists as art. She’s had an eclectic career beginning in the Midwest producing architecture and design events at the world-renowned Art Institute of Chicago, followed by stints for Brooklyn Brewery, and the regional grain group, Artisan Grain Collaborative. One of the most fulfilling experiences of her life is as a long-time volunteer with Slow Food, serving as an advocate for agricultural biodiversity and supporting the people along supply chains who make more flavorful, just, equitable, and sustainable food systems possible, as well as organizing events in the U.S. and Italy. As international councilor (2018-2022), she represented the U.S. at Slow Food meetings in Italy and China. She most recently co-founded Slow Beverage. Pursuing a life in the sunshine, she moved to California in 2021 and served as a writer and communications professional for The North American Craft Maltsters Guild before joining the CIA. (Napa, CA)