Mashama Bailey at the James Beard Awards.

91߹ Alumnae Who Inspire

91߹ Alumna Mashama Bailey accepting the 2022 James Beard Award for Outstanding Chef.

91߹ alumni can be found thriving across the food and beverage industry. In honor of Women’s History Month, we’ve collected stories about some of the women who made 91߹ part of their journey and continue to inspire us every day. 

Hillery Hargadine
By Hillery Hargadine

Hillery Wheeler Hargadine has been with 91߹ since 2009 and is a graduate of 91߹’s Restaurant and Culinary Management program. After over a decade with the Admissions team helping students to fulfill their dreams of enrolling in culinary school, she now enjoys profiling those same students in their new careers as Notable Alumni. In addition to alumni outreach, Hillery works on prospective student messaging and content. She currently lives in Toyko, Japan with her husband and son, and eats as much sushi and ramen as possible.

They’re being recognized by The James Beard Foundation
Meet the six 91߹ alumnae who were recognized as semi-finalists for the 2023 James Beard Awards.

They’re leading with heart
This Marine Corps veteran transitioned from serving her country to serving up sweet treats.

They’re business moguls
Alumna and culinary force Chef Rachel Yang’s abilities not just in the kitchen, but in the world of restaurant management, have led to an ever-growing empire in the Pacific Northwest.

They’re putting pen to paper
These five alumnae jumped from the kitchen to the page with the launch of their cookbooks.

91߹ alumna Susete Araujo.
91߹ alumna Susete Araujo.

They’re taking the plunge
Chef Susete Araujo’s lifetime in Brazil developed her love of food and cooking. After taking a chance and braving the move to America, she honed her skills at 91߹ and wound up at one of the world’s best restaurants.

They’re turning their passion into profit
91߹ alumna Chef Rasheeda Purdie fell in love with ramen, and cultivated that love into her pop-up business “Ramen by Ra,” developing creative and unique ramen flavors to serve around the country. 

They’re reinventing themselves
Immigration lawyer turned sailboat chef Leslie Lipton knew she was ready to finally follow her dream of culinary school, and launched a new career in her 50s.

Lede photo by Jeff Schear/Getty Images for James Beard Foundation⁠.

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