Our Story
Founder Jessamyn Waldman Rodriquez’s idea for Hot Bread Kitchen was inspired by her combined experiences as a social innovator, a baker, and advocate for the rights of women and immigrants. She envisioned an immigrant baking collective, where women with diverse histories would come together to sharpen their skills and secure meaningful careers in a male-dominated food industry in New York City.
Over the past decade, Hot Bread Kitchen has fulfilled that founding vision and expanded our support to include both women and emerging food entrepreneurs, refining our programming to grow careers and businesses across the culinary sector. And every day, we use our connections and influence to shape a larger dialogue about a more diverse, equitable and inclusive food industry.
Our approach turns careers in food into financial stability. We support 300+ women from 60 countries, 250+ food entrepreneurs, and created $100+ million in economic impact. And we continue to rise.