Candice Custodio, Executive Director of At Her Table, Attends the 2025 James Beard Chef Action Summit in Asheville, NC

In April 2025, Candice Custodio, the Executive Director of At Her Table, joined over 200 chefs, advocates, and industry leaders at the James Beard Foundation’s biennial Chef Action Summit in Asheville, North Carolina. Hosted from April 6-8 at the Renaissance Asheville Downtown Hotel, this summit focused on empowering culinary professionals to drive positive change in the food industry. 

James Beard Foundation

A Platform for Advocacy and Education

The Chef Action Summit serves as a pivotal platform for chefs and food leaders to engage in discussions about sustainability, policy advocacy, and innovative practices within the culinary world. Participants have the opportunity to delve into critical issues such as climate change’s impact on food systems, sustainable restaurant operations, and effective advocacy strategies. 

Candice’s Commitment to Community and Sustainability

As a proud Cal Poly alumna and founder of Club SupSup, Candice has always been passionate about community engagement and sustainable culinary practices. Her role as Executive Director of At Her Table—a nonprofit dedicated to supporting women in the food, beverage, hospitality, and lodging industries on the Central Coast—aligns seamlessly with the summit’s objectives.

Key Takeaways from the Summit

During the summit, Candice participated in workshops and discussions that emphasized the importance of policy-making, advocacy, and storytelling in effecting change. These sessions equipped attendees with the tools to influence legislation, promote sustainable practices, and advocate for equitable policies within the food industry. The event also fostered networking opportunities, allowing participants to collaborate and share insights with like-minded professionals committed to transforming the food system. 

James Beard Foundation

Looking Ahead: Implementing Summit Insights

Inspired by the summit’s discussions, Candice is eager to integrate new strategies and ideas into At Her Table’s initiatives. The organization continues to focus on empowering women in the culinary sector, promoting sustainable practices, and advocating for systemic change. By leveraging the knowledge gained at the summit, At Her Table aims to enhance its programs and further its mission of fostering a more equitable and sustainable food community.At Her Table

Join the Movement

At Her Table remains committed to celebrating and supporting women in the food industry. To learn more about upcoming events, initiatives, and opportunities to get involved, visit