Through her global work with the emerging movements of social gastronomy and culinary diplomacy, Johanna Mendelson Forman has helped bring the value of food as a tool for political change and socio-economic development into focus. Her unique experience in regions of conflict abroad, where food can be both a catalyst and a solution for instability, adds an important perspective to conversations about food-system change on both the local and global level. What’s more, she makes a mean brisket.
Mitchell Davis, Ph.D.
Chief Strategy Officer, James Beard Foundation
I worked with Johanna Mendelson Forman on the LIFE project that supports food entrepreneurship among refugees and migrants in Istanbul. Using translators in both Arabic and Turkish, she and her team members orchestrated an amazing program for me to cook with these immigrants, to share my knowledge in writing cookbooks and to listen to how I was able to brand myself in something so mundane, yet so critical, as we all eat but only now is food becoming such an important subject. Because of Johanna’s expertise and brilliance, we broke down barriers with these women and I was able to work with them in paving the way for the possibility of a more lucrative and more likable future for them in a field that they thought was only for their home.
Joan Nathan
James Beard and IACP/Julia Child Book of the Year Award-Winning Cookbook Author
Joan’s latest book is King Solomon’s Table, A Culinary Exploration of Jewish Cooking from Around the World
Johanna’s deep knowledge of foreign policy brings nuance and sophistication to the surprisingly complex topic of food in a volatile world. From the Middle East to Central America, Johanna’s ground-breaking work is helping the field to better understand the impactful role culture and food play in conflict zones.
Anthony Garrett
Anthony Garrett & Associates – Innovative Strategies for Public Affairs & Advocacy
Internews, Senior Advisor on Policy & Strategic Initiatives
Johanna Mendelson Forman is a creative force in peacebuilding. Throughout her decades of work in war-torn areas, she has found innovative ways to bring people together. When she saw the promise of food, Johanna created the field of conflict cuisine and re-imagined how our palates lead to peace.
Rick Barton
Former Ambassador and author of Peace Works: American’s Unifying Role in a Turbulent World
Johanna Mendelson Forman has the heart, intelligence and connections to move mountains in service to good ideas. And of those, she has a generous supply.
Katherine Newell Smith
Food Communications and Marketing Consultant
