Kate Rogers

“Success is finding purpose and happiness in uplifting others.”

As the founder and Executive Director of Sprouts Chef Training, Kate Rogers believes that everyone deserves a chance to find their true calling. Her nonprofit, founded in 2012, equips Bay Area youth with the opportunity to rise from hardship and achieve stability and financial autonomy through life skills training and restaurant internships. Young people are paired with a chef mentor and case manager to develop the skills needed to secure and maintain a culinary job. Graduates use these entry-level jobs to kickstart culinary careers, pay for education, or pursue new industries. 

“My nonprofit helps young women become financially independent through culinary training and job placement,” says the Hall of Femme honoree. “I love my work because I get to help and connect with brilliant, passionate people.” Previous to Sprouts, Kate was the founder of Culinary Kids, which inspired over 2,000 diverse youth to lead healthier lives by teaching them to cook wholesome meals for themselves and their families. And while studying International Business at UC Berkeley, Kate presided over the Cal Cooking Club, offering students the chance to take hands-on cooking classes in restaurants. What keeps her motivated? “Having an exciting project to work on,” says Kate. We see many more of those in Kate’s future.