Hot Bread Kitchen

Hot Bread Kitchen is the brainchild of Jessamyn Rodriguez, who started the organization in 2007 to open pathways to professional opportunities in the culinary industry. Her mission is to build lasting economic security for low-income, immigrant, and minority women. While this nonprofit funds 65 percent of its operating budget through bread sales and kitchen rental, philanthropic support makes it possible to provide participants with educational programs and training in food industry practices.

New York's $5 billion food-manufacturing industry presents many opportunities for these women to begin promising careers in the field and even launch their own businesses. Since its founding, Hot Bread Kitchen has generated more than $104 million in economic impact in the New York City metro area.