Vanessa Ali
Associate Professor
JWU Faculty Since 2022
Vanessa Ali, a proud Colombian and Palestinian, is an accomplished culinary professional and educator with a passion for fostering cultural awareness and culinary innovation. She holds a master’s degree in Arts of Teaching from Johnson & Wales University, where she now serves as a full-time faculty member. Throughout her diverse career, Ali has worked across various areas of the culinary industry, including front-of-house operations, research and development, catering, event planning, and private chef services.
In addition to her teaching role, Ali is dedicated to empowering the next generation of culinary leaders by co-advising a student-led club at Johnson & Wales University. She also contributes her expertise as a consultant and trainer for Clarke Living, a distinguished Sub-Zero/Wolf kitchen showroom, and plays a key role as operations coordinator for The Flavor Experience, an exclusive food and beverage conference.
Ali is also an organizer for the Tastes of the World Chef’s Culinary Conference at UMass, where she focuses on developing workshops that promote healthier culinary concepts and sustainable food practices.
Education
- M.A.T., JWU 2019
- BS, JWU 2017
- AS, JWU 2015
Courses
- CUL1100: Introduction to Culinary Skills and Techniques
- CUL1410 Contemporary Cooking & Leadership
- CUL1320 Elements of a la Minute Cooking
- CUL3141 Corporate Dining Concepts
- SFS3300 Conscious Cuisine
Extra Curricular Roles
Culinaria Latina, -Co-advise Culinaria Latina, a Latin American culinary club that promotes Latin American presence on campus through food
Professional Affiliations
Clarke Living, a distinguished Sub-Zero/Wolf kitchen showroom and culinary hub - consultant and trainer.
The Flavor Experience; exclusive food and beverage conference hosted by 'FLAVOR and the Menu Magazine' - operations coordinator.
Tastes of the World, Chef’s Culinary Conference at UMass - organizer and consultant