Hello Everyone -- How have you been doing?
In last month's newsletter, I asked you to reach out with updates about connections and colleagues within our community who are "in the weeds," navigating this devastating downturn for the hospitality industry. Let me dedicate this month's space to updates I've heard.
Natalie Keng Fighting Anti-Asian Bigotry
Since COVID-19 broke Natalie Keng, an alum of the Kennedy School, has been speaking and writing about the anti-Asian bigotry she's observed and experienced personally and professionally.
Read more here. More recently, Keng has been appointed to the
Georgia Governor's Task Force on COVID-19, on a new committee focused on Community Outreach.
After a career in leadership development, diversity and communications, Natalie ran successfully for local elected office and served two terms. She now hosts and produces PBS TV's Georgia Traveler, where her mother, Margaret Keng, is a special guest co-host. She launched
Chinese Southern Belle in 2009 with the intention of inspiring positive multicultural relations through food and culture.
Her immediate suggestion, for how you can help? Buy directly from local brands that are left out of big grocery distribution channels. A personal favorite that Natalie sells, for example, is her Sweet Chili Peach Chef Sauce. #justsayin
Educational Programs Derailed by COVID-19; Rescheduled Wine Auction Launches TODAY
Doug Shipman, President and CEO at
The Woodruff Arts Center in Atlanta, has been steering plans to rescue a major source of funding for educational programs since last month's High Museum wine auction was cancelled due to COVID-19. Shipman, like Keng, is also an alum of the Kennedy School and said he's hopeful that wine collectors and experience-oriented individuals will be excited to participate and help the Center continue their educational work.
The online wine auction opens TODAY, with some incredible lots up for bid. It's open to anyone, anywhere. Here is the link.
Please consider bidding.
New Book by Dr. Laura Catena: Gold in the Vineyards
After college at Harvard, Laura Catena went on to Stanford for medical school. Today she splits her time between working in the ER in San Francisco and serving as the fourth generation vintner to lead her family's iconic winery,
Bodega Catena Zapata, in Mendoza, Argentina.
Is your HAWF reading shelf full yet??
Board of Overseer Elections Postponed
Last month, I wrote about Susan Novick, a long-time HAWF supporter and food writer at the
New York Times, who's running for election to Harvard's Board of Overseers. That election has been postponed until July. We expect to hear updates in June.
Signing off for now, friends. Please be in touch with your news, thoughts and ideas.
Thank you for reading, and take good care --
Warm regards,
Cathy Huyghe
Phone: +1.702.528.3717
