José Andrés

Twice named one of Time Magazine’s “100 Most Influential People” and awarded “Outstanding Chef” and “Humanitarian of the Year” by the James Beard Foundation, Chef José Andrés is an internationally recognized culinary innovator, New York Times bestselling author, humanitarian, educator, and Emmy-winning television personality. Born and raised in Spain, José is credited with popularizing the tapas concept in America with his first restaurant, Jaleo, and currently operates nearly 40 restaurants worldwide as the Chef/Owner of José Andrés Group. In 2010, Andrés formed World Central Kitchen, a nonprofit organization that is first to the frontlines, providing meals in response to humanitarian, climate, and community crises. WCK has served more than 400 million nourishing meals around the world, from Puerto Rico to Morocco, Ukraine to Gaza. In 2023, Andrés founded the Global Food Institute at George Washington University, with the intent of producing cutting-edge research to create and improve domestic and global food policies, incubate innovative new food technologies, and lead critical conversations about the impact of food on the human race. Andrés’ work has earned awards and distinctions including the 2015 National Humanities Medal from President Barack Obama, and the inaugural Courage & Civility Award in 2021. Andrés was also named Washington Business Journal’s CEO of the Year in 2020 for his leadership and impact on the global business community and was awarded the Princesa de Asturias Foundation’s 2021 Concordia Prize for his humanitarian work.