Liz Louie is the new executive director of Kent-based Project Feast, a nonprofit that empowers refugee and immigrant cooks through hands-on culinary training and education.
With over 25 years of experience in operations management and a profound commitment to serving refugees and immigrants, Louie is poised to lead the organization into a new era of growth and impact, according to an Oct. 9 Project Feast press release.
Louie has a rich history in the nonprofit sector, having held key leadership positions at organizations such as FareStart and Northwest Clinic. Most recently, she served as the executive director for Future of Diversity, where she successfully relaunched programs that support chefs and businesses owned by people of color. She also has deep ties to Project Feast, having previously served on the Board of Directors, giving her a unique insight into the nonprofit’s mission and operations.
“We are thrilled to have Liz at the helm of Project Feast,” said Justin Smith, board president. “She brings tremendous leadership, professional experience, and lived experience to the role. She is a rare executive director that will be able to tackle our growth as a nonprofit, evolution as a food service social enterprise, and be able to relate directly with our apprentices and their collective journey through our program.”
For almost 10 years, Project Feast has been dedicated to creating opportunities through culinary training, empowering individuals to build careers or start their own businesses in the food industry. As it faces increasing demand for its services, Louie’s leadership will be essential in expanding its reach and impact.
Louie replaces Van Nguyen, who was executive director for five years, and now is president and CEO of Seattle-based nonprofit 4-H International Exchange Programs.
Meet the new leader
The community is invited to meet Louie at the Project Feast annual fundraiser, Feast for Change, from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 2 at the Mount Baker Community Club, 2811 Mt. Rainier Dr. S., in Seattle.
For more information about Project Feast, go toprojectfeast.org.
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