Diversity at CIA
With the food industry representing cultures from around the globe, diversity and culinary arts are inseparable. This fusion of cuisines and the exchange of ideas and ingredients have helped to create a diverse environment at the Culinary Institute of America, which welcomes students and faculty from more than 30 countries to its campuses.
This appreciation and respect for diversity can be traced back to CIA’s earliest days. Shortly after World War II, two women were chosen to lead the college. Frances Roth, a prosecuting attorney who was the first female member of the Connecticut Bar Association, took the helm as president. In addition, Katharine Angell (wife of then Yale University President James Rowland Angell) joined the school’s board and served as chairman from 1950 to 1966. During her tenure, she helped the fledgling CIA quickly grow in size and reputation.
Today, the CIA Diversity Council—which consists of students, faculty, and staff—develops ideas and programs to increase pluralism on campus. Throughout all of our campuses, CIA actively promotes diversity and inclusiveness with respect to ethnic and national origin, race, color, disability, religion, gender, socioeconomic background, age, and sexual orientation. We strive to provide a tolerant, civil, and inclusive environment that celebrates cultures from around the world. It is our goal and duty to create a welcoming learning community free of bias and discrimination that fosters respect and consideration. CIA students develop their skills in an environment that encourages freedom of expression with responsibility and embraces all cultures while celebrating the uniqueness of each individual.
Diversity Council Members
- Co-Chair: Tamara Batiste-Locke—Co-Chair, assistant director—counseling and psychological services
- Co-Chair: Taralynn Brock—Co-Chair, manager—international student services/PDSO and academic advisor
- Co-Chair: Joanna Smith, title IX and age discrimination act coordinator and legal advisor
- Jodi Amato, director—academic support
- Gina Basile, talent acquisition manager
- Denise Bauer, dean—school of liberal arts and food studies
- Chas Cerulli, director—dining and kitchen operations
- Phylicia Coley, associate dean—housing operations
- Ashley Dandola, assistant director—academic support services (CIA Greystone)
- Jose Frade, associate dean—degree programs (CIA San Antonio)
- Danielle Glendenning, assistant director—faculty relations and deputy title IX coordinator
- Kathleen Herrera, director—counseling and psychological services (CIA Greystone)
- Theresa Kastner, associate director—student financial planning
- Cynthia Madden, manager—menus of change Initiatives
- Gracie Martinez, assistant registrar and manager—student services (CIA San Antonio)
- Kathy Merget, vice president and dean—student affairs
- Mario Restivo, assistant director—campus safety
- Nilsa Rodriguez-Jaca, professor—liberal arts and business studies
- Amanda Secor, senior manager—marketing communications
- Jessica Sigwart, coordinator—student leadership and programming
- Perry Soule, director—campus safety
- Michael Sperling, vice president—academic affairs
- Genevieve Tarbell, assistant director—academic support services
- Brendan Walsh, dean—school of culinary arts
Our Diversity Council also includes volunteer student members.
Diversity Advisory Committee
- Brendan Walsh ’80, dean—school of culinary arts
- Bruce Mattel ’80, senior associate dean—culinary arts
- Kevin Mitchell ’96
- Kwame Onwuachi ’13
- Roshara Sanders ’14, lecturing instructor—culinary arts
- Brandon Walker ’01
- Jason Wallace ’95
- Danielle Glendenning, assistant director—faculty relations