The BCA is a nationwide non-profit, educational and networking organization of hospitality and food service professionals. Their mission is to create exposure and provide educational and professional opportunities for culinary and hospitality professionals of color. The BCA accomplish this objective by providing quality educational and employment resources, job coaching, mentoring and assistance with placement and networking support. Additionally, the BCA exposes inner-city high school students to the culinary arts through a series of workshops that serve to introduce culinary arts as a viable career option. The BCA is poised to become the nation’s principal link between corporate America and all ethic groups seeking employment and careers in the culinary/hospitality profession and foodservice industry.

The 20th Anniversary Cultural Awareness Salute Gala was held on November 8th, 2013 at Guastavino’s Midtown in New York City. Food Network president Brooke Johnson and Lourdes Diaz, Vice president of Diversity Relations for Sodexo will be among the presenters. The Black Tie Gala event honors the achievements of diversity in the Hospitality & Culinary industries. This year’s theme of “Global Immersion” focuses on providing a space for networking and dialogue on the advancement of global diversity. It also offers culinary students from around the country the opportunity to hone their skills in a real life environment.