Chefs First

Chef First operates concurrently through an event co-organized with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the Women’s Chef Exchange.

Chefs First focuses on FAO member countries classified as low- to middle-income, providing an additional pathway for implementing The Exchange globally.

The event was launched at the World Food Forum in Rome, Italy on October 13, 2025.

Upper left: Chef Sam Tran, Gia Restaurant in Hanoi, speaks at the World Food Forum. Chef Sam made history as the first chef in Vietnam to be awarded a Michelin star and has received this honor three years in a row.

Upper right: Chef Sarah Stegner, Prairie Grass Cafe in Chicago, interviews world-famous, Chef Art Smith, Reunion Restaurant in Chicago, about his new restaurant within the eco-village in the historic papal gardens of Castel Adolfo, Italy, opening in 2026.

Lower left: Chef Vitalia Scano, Ristorante Sandalia, in Roma presenting at the World Food Forum

Lower Right: Members of the Chefs First team at the World Food Forum. From left: Maddie Darcangelo - FAO in Rome; Chef Tammy Wong - Rainbow Restaurant in Minneapolis; Chef Sarah Stegner, WCE in Chicago; Chef Sam Tran - Gia Restaurant in Hanoi; Diane Schmidt, WCE in Chicago; Jeff LeJeune - FAO in Rome; Chef Vitalia Scano - Ristorante Sandalia in Roma.