About Us

Our Mission

As the philanthropic foundation of the National Restaurant Association, the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation’s (NRAEF) mission of service to the public is dedicated to enhancing the industry’s training and education, career development and community engagement efforts. The NRAEF and its programs work to Attract, Empower and Advance today’s and tomorrow’s restaurant and foodservice workforce. NRAEF programs include: ProStart® – a high-school career and technical education program; Restaurant Ready – partnering with community based organizations to provide “opportunity youth” with skills training and job opportunities; Military – helping military servicemen and women transition their skills to restaurant and foodservice careers; Scholarships – financial assistance for students pursuing restaurant, foodservice and hospitality degrees; and the Restaurant & Hospitality Leadership Center (RHLC) – accredited apprenticeship programs designed to build the careers of service professionals. NRAEF is a 501(c)3 charitable nonprofit organization.

• We are a purpose driven organization​ dedicated to changing lives and uplifting communities.
• We empower people from all backgrounds with the training and education they need to secure a better future.​​
• We do this through the limitless opportunities offered by the restaurant, foodservice and hospitality industry.​

Multicultural Foodservice & Hospitality Alliance (MFHA)

MFHA is a non-profit 501(c)(3), and an affiliate of the NRAEF. Dedicated to advancing diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) across the restaurant, foodservice and hospitality industry, MFHA was founded by MFHA President Gerry Fernandez in 1996. MFHA serves as a leading resource for companies large and small seeking to improve DEI and enhance culturally competency throughout their organization. MFHA provides tailored solutions and guidance that draw from a broad range of best practices, research, DEI partnerships and expertise in current and emerging social issues. MFHA members have access to products and services, including toolkits, workshops, webinars, research, programs and events. For more information, please see MFHA’s website at mfha.net.

Our Programs