Giada De Laurentiis once said, 'Food brings people together on many different levels. It’s nourishment of the soul and body; it’s truly love.' Well, that clearly describes the mission behind Lauren Bernstein's work. As the Founder & CEO of The Culinary Diplomacy Project, a chef-driven non-profit, Lauren harnesses the power of food to foster cultural exchange and build connections across the globe. Through her initiatives, food becomes much more than a meal—it’s a way to bridge divides and bring people together.
When asked what drives her passion for these projects, Lauren’s response is simple: the joy of seeing people come together around food, sharing stories, and learning about one another’s cultures. But for Lauren, it goes much deeper than just the dishes on the table—it’s about using food as a universal language to bridge divides and build relationships between nations and communities.
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As the visionary behind The Culinary Diplomacy Project, Lauren has revolutionized how food can be used as a diplomatic tool. Her initiatives have led to impactful partnerships with organizations like the National Governors Association, helping U.S. governors highlight their state’s cultural heritage through food. One of her standout achievements includes collaborating with the Jordanian Government, UNHCR, and Marriott, where American celebrity chefs cooked alongside local Jordanians and Syrian refugees, fostering mutual respect and understanding through shared culinary experiences.
Before founding The Culinary Diplomacy Project in 2018, Lauren served as Director of the Diplomatic Culinary Partnership at the U.S. Department of State. There, she played an integral role in recruiting top chefs for public diplomacy programs with U.S. embassies abroad and supported high-profile international summits like the U.S.-Africa Leaders' Summit and the United Nations General Assembly.
Lauren firmly believes that "every meal has the potential to open new pathways for conversation and mutual respect." This guiding principle is evident in her projects around the world. Whether helping governors showcase their state’s culture or engaging with refugee communities, her work demonstrates that food can be a powerful bridge-builder.
In 2020, The Culinary Diplomacy Project collaborated with the U.S. Department of State on several occasions, including at Expo 2020 Dubai, where Lauren brought four chefs to represent the USA Pavilion. Their culinary diplomacy programming during this two-month period further underscored the transformative impact food can have on fostering global dialogue and strengthening relationships.
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In addition to her hands-on work, Lauren is a sought-after speaker and thought leader. She has spoken at prestigious institutions like New York University, the Smithsonian, and the University of Pennsylvania, discussing how culinary diplomacy can break down barriers and promote peace. Her ideas have been featured in books, podcasts, and media interviews, further positioning her as a leading voice in this growing field.
Beyond her remarkable career in culinary diplomacy, Lauren is known for her warm, approachable demeanour and deep-rooted passion for building connections. Those close to her describe her as someone who prioritizes relationships over accolades, focusing on positively impacting wherever she goes. She views food not just as a tool for diplomacy but as a way to create meaningful human connections that transcend borders, beliefs, and backgrounds.
Lauren’s professional journey is just as inspiring as her work in diplomacy. Before founding The Culinary Diplomacy Project, she spent over a decade as a public defender, representing indigent clients and fighting for social justice. Her legal background gives her a unique perspective on diplomacy, allowing her to approach complex international relations with empathy and fairness. Despite transitioning to culinary diplomacy, Lauren remains a member of the Bars of the District of Columbia and Commonwealth of Virginia, reflecting her continued commitment to justice and community service.
On a personal level, Laurenlives in Washington, D.C., where she enjoys cooking for her loved ones and exploring new cuisines. Her love for food is not just professional but deeply personal, as she continuously seeks out new flavours and experiences. This ongoing culinary exploration reinforces her belief that food is a universal language that can bring people together profoundly.
Looking ahead, Lauren Bernstein continues to push the boundaries of culinary diplomacy. Her vision for the future is clear: to keep using food as a medium for connection in aworld that often feels increasingly divided. With a proven track record and a passion for building bridges, her efforts will continue to inspire others to see foodas more than just sustenance but as a means to foster understanding, peace, and collaboration—one bite at a time.
Giada De Laurentiis once said, 'Food brings people together on many different levels. It’s nourishment of the soul and body; it’s truly love.' Well, that clearly describes the mission behind Lauren Bernstein's work. As the Founder & CEO of The Culinary Diplomacy Project, a chef-driven non-profit, Lauren harnesses the power of food to foster cultural exchange and build connections across the globe. Through her initiatives, food becomes much more than a meal—it’s a way to bridge divides and bring people together.
When asked what drives her passion for these projects, Lauren’s response is simple: the joy of seeing people come together around food, sharing stories, and learning about one another’s cultures. But for Lauren, it goes much deeper than just the dishes on the table—it’s about using food as a universal language to bridge divides and build relationships between nations and communities.
As the visionary behind The Culinary Diplomacy Project, Lauren has revolutionized how food can be used as a diplomatic tool. Her initiatives have led to impactful partnerships with organizations like the National Governors Association, helping U.S. governors highlight their state’s cultural heritage through food. One of her standout achievements includes collaborating with the Jordanian Government, UNHCR, and Marriott, where American celebrity chefs cooked alongside local Jordanians and Syrian refugees, fostering mutual respect and understanding through shared culinary experiences.
Before founding The Culinary Diplomacy Project in 2018, Lauren served as Director of the Diplomatic Culinary Partnership at the U.S. Department of State. There, she played an integral role in recruiting top chefs for public diplomacy programs with U.S. embassies abroad and supported high-profile international summits like the U.S.-Africa Leaders' Summit and the United Nations General Assembly.
Lauren firmly believes that "every meal has the potential to open new pathways for conversation and mutual respect." This guiding principle is evident in her projects around the world. Whether helping governors showcase their state’s culture or engaging with refugee communities, her work demonstrates that food can be a powerful bridge-builder.
In 2020, The Culinary Diplomacy Project collaborated with the U.S. Department of State on several occasions, including at Expo 2020 Dubai, where Lauren brought four chefs to represent the USA Pavilion. Their culinary diplomacy programming during this two-month period further underscored the transformative impact food can have on fostering global dialogue and strengthening relationships.
In addition to her hands-on work, Lauren is a sought-after speaker and thought leader. She has spoken at prestigious institutions like New York University, the Smithsonian, and the University of Pennsylvania, discussing how culinary diplomacy can break down barriers and promote peace. Her ideas have been featured in books, podcasts, and media interviews, further positioning her as a leading voice in this growing field.
Beyond her remarkable career in culinary diplomacy, Lauren is known for her warm, approachable demeanour and deep-rooted passion for building connections. Those close to her describe her as someone who prioritizes relationships over accolades, focusing on positively impacting wherever she goes. She views food not just as a tool for diplomacy but as a way to create meaningful human connections that transcend borders, beliefs, and backgrounds.
Lauren’s professional journey is just as inspiring as her work in diplomacy. Before founding The Culinary Diplomacy Project, she spent over a decade as a public defender, representing indigent clients and fighting for social justice. Her legal background gives her a unique perspective on diplomacy, allowing her to approach complex international relations with empathy and fairness. Despite transitioning to culinary diplomacy, Lauren remains a member of the Bars of the District of Columbia and Commonwealth of Virginia, reflecting her continued commitment to justice and community service.
On a personal level, Laurenlives in Washington, D.C., where she enjoys cooking for her loved ones and exploring new cuisines. Her love for food is not just professional but deeply personal, as she continuously seeks out new flavours and experiences. This ongoing culinary exploration reinforces her belief that food is a universal language that can bring people together profoundly.
Looking ahead, Lauren Bernstein continues to push the boundaries of culinary diplomacy. Her vision for the future is clear: to keep using food as a medium for connection in aworld that often feels increasingly divided. With a proven track record and a passion for building bridges, her efforts will continue to inspire others to see foodas more than just sustenance but as a means to foster understanding, peace, and collaboration—one bite at a time.
