Suggestions
Jessamyn Rodriguez
Jessamyn Waldman Rodriguez is an accomplished American social entrepreneur, educator, and hospitality executive with a diverse background in social innovation, culinary arts, and business management.
Career Highlights
Social Entrepreneurship: Jessamyn founded Hot Bread Kitchen in 2007, a non-profit social enterprise that trains immigrant and low-income minority women in culinary and hospitality skills.1 Under her leadership until 2018, the organization trained 250 women from 42 different countries, helping them secure better jobs and improve their financial situations.1
Culinary Expertise: Prior to founding Hot Bread Kitchen, Jessamyn earned her Master Baker Certificate from The New School and became the first female bread baker at Daniel, a renowned restaurant in New York.1
Corporate Leadership: In 2018, Jessamyn joined Daily Provisions, an upscale cafe chain part of Danny Meyer's Union Square Hospitality Group, as Managing Director.2 In this role, she successfully expanded the brand into a multi-unit chain and launched new business categories to navigate the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.1
Current Position: As of September 2022, Jessamyn serves as the Managing Director of the Jim Joseph Foundation, where she develops initiatives to support Jewish education across North America.1
Education and Early Career
Jessamyn studied Latin American Studies and Fine Arts at the University of British Columbia and earned a Master of Public Administration from Columbia University.1 Her early career included roles with the Canadian Department of Foreign Affairs, the United Nations Development Program, and various educational institutions.1
Achievements and Recognition
Jessamyn has received numerous awards for her work, including:
- Mayor Michael Bloomberg's Neighborhood Achievement Award
- Clinton Foundation's Global Citizen Award
- New York Women's Foundation's Celebrating Women Award
- Listed in Crain's "40 Under 40"
- Named one of Food & Wine's "Most Innovative Women"
- Ranked 18th on Fortune magazine's list of the 20 Most Innovative Women in Food and Drink13
She is also the author of "The Hot Bread Kitchen Cookbook," which was named Yahoo Food's Best Cookbook of the Year in 2015.2
Personal Life
Jessamyn is married to Eli Rodriguez, a former Sotheby's Vice President and wine expert, and they have two children, Dahlia and Emile.1 She currently resides in New York.


