Food Network President Brooke Johnson and Lourdes Diaz, vice president of Diversity Relations for Sodexo will be among the presenters at the BCA 20th Anniversary Cultural Awareness Salute Gala in New York City. Barbara Kane, EcoLab vice president of Industry Relations will be Mistress of Ceremonies. This year's honorees that include: Sterling Smith, corporate executive chef supply management of Sodexo; Jin Caldwell, chocolatier and owner of JinJu Chocolates; Jehangir Mehta, executive chef and owner of Graffiti; and Susan Stockton, senior vice president of culinary production for the Food Network. Dr. Robert Koenig, Director  NYIT Global Center for Hospitality Management will be this year's Keynote Speaker for the Salute Gala. BCA Global will also honor student trailblazers who stand as role models in culinary education.

The 20th Anniversary Cultural Awareness Salute Gala will be held Friday, November 8th, 2013 from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. at Guastavino's Midtown in New York City. The Black Tie Gala event honors the achievements of diversity in the Hospitality & Culinary industries. This year's theme of "Global Immersion" will focus on providing a space for networking and dialogue on the advancement of global diversity. It will also offer culinary students from around the country the opportunity to hone their skills in a real life environment.

The Gala will begin with a cocktail reception, followed by a multi-course dinner by and Viennese reception executed by chefs and students.

1st Course - George Westinghouse Career and Technical Education will prepare: Roasted Spiced Pumpkin in Pastry, Baby Lettuce, Cranberry Marmalade Vinaigrette and Manchego Cheese.

2nd Course - Star Career Academy will prepare: Seared Breast of Chicken, Herbed Yorkshire, Asparagus, Rutabaga, Baby Carrots and Natural Jus Lié.

3rd Course - The Culinary Institute of America will prepare: Moroccan Spiced Braised Lamb Shank over Ragout of Chick Peas, Cured Olive and Preserved Lemon with Buttered Flat Beans.

The 20th Anniversary Cultural Awareness Salute Gala will be held Friday, November 8th, 2013 from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. at Guastavino's Midtown in New York City. The Black Tie Gala event honors the achievements of diversity in the Hospitality & Culinary industries. This year's theme of "Global Immersion" will focus on providing a space for networking and dialogue on the advancement of global diversity. It will also offer culinary students from around the country the opportunity to hone their skills in a real life environment. 

The Gala dinner will give a taste of what the future holds for the foodservice industry and will be supported by our educational partners and students from: Edison Job Corps, Johnson & Wales University, Culinary Programs at Brooklyn and Bronx Job Corps Academy, Foodservice Training Academy, FedCap Academy, and New York Institute of Technology. "Students from different schools and different backgrounds come together in the same kitchen and cook in a noncompetitive environment," states Howard Stanford, board chair. "Those of us who attend are honored to witness the future leaders and work together towards a more diverse industry," said Alex Askew, president of BCA Global.