Vanessa Parish (she/hers)
Executive Director/ Co-Founder
Vanessa Parish (she/her) is a Black, Indigenous, lesbian chef, advocate, and social media producer who has made a significant impact in both the culinary world and broader social justice movements. As the Executive Director and Co-Founder of the Queer Food Foundation, she leads efforts to create inclusive, supportive spaces for LGBTQIA+ individuals within the food industry.
With an impressive media presence, Vanessa has collaborated with major platforms like Food Network, NBC, BET, Airbnb, Google, Access Hollywood, and Blavity. She is a lead judge for the global Taste Awards and previously hosted Tasty's Tasting Our Roots, a show that garnered over 20 million views and remains available on streaming platforms. Vanessa has also competed on Food Network’s Chopped Sweets, was named a 2022 Game Changer by Savage X Fenty, served as Nissan’s Partner for Progress, and currently contributes as a correspondent for Eating Well magazine.
A passionate advocate for mental health and disability rights, justice reform, and the celebration of Queer Black Girl magic, Vanessa continues to inspire through her work and advocacy.