Restaurants Advance Leadership Awards
The 2024 Nomination period has ended.
One of the key roles of the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF) is to help raise awareness of the positive impact restaurants have in their communities and the role the industry plays as champions of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI).
Our Restaurants Advance Leadership Awards support this mission with the Inclusion Innovator Award, the Community Champion Award, the My Journey Award, and the Ambassador of Hospitality Award. The NRAEF will designate a special $2,500 scholarship to be awarded to a future restaurant leader in each winner’s name. These awards are described in detail, below.
Inclusion Innovator Leadership Award
presented by PepsiCo
Recognizes an individual who has been an innovator and demonstrated exceptional leadership in diversity, equity, and inclusion with the goal of improving culture in their restaurant or food service operation, in the community, and across the industry.
Criteria
The Inclusion Innovator Leadership Award will go to an individual who:
- Demonstrates the power of inclusion and innovation in building a strong culture and improves customer service
- Promotes a work environment that is free from bias and discrimination
- Creates job and career opportunities for people from all backgrounds
- Establishes a supportive workplace and sense of belonging for both employees and customers
- Sets measurable goals, standards and best practices that help advance DEI across the restaurant and foodservice industry
Community Champion Leadership Award
presented by American Express
Recognizes an individual who has made a positive impact on the community through charitable efforts, support during a natural disaster/crisis, local job training, and/or sustainable practices.
Criteria
The Community Champion Leadership Award will go to an individual who:
- Influences and addresses a community need(s)
- Enhances the quality of life for community residents
- Demonstrates acts of civic engagement through a commitment to the community and its well-being
- Embraces community service and volunteerism as an ongoing priority and commitment
My Journey Leadership Award
Recognizes an individual who has excelled, both personally and professionally, in the restaurant industry, made a positive impact, set high standards as a leader and mentor, and created opportunities for others.
Criteria
The My Journey Leadership Award will go to an individual who:
- Has found success through a career in the restaurant, foodservice and hospitality industry
- Is committed to uplifting and inspiring others as a leader and mentor
- Has overcome obstacles, adversities and/or challenges to achieve their dream and build a future in the industry
Thad and Alice Eure Ambassador of Hospitality Award
presented by Ecolab
Presented to a person who shows exceptional leadership and unparalleled support in uplifting communities and transforming lives.
Criteria
The Thad and Alice Eure Ambassador of Hospitality Award will go to an individual who:
- Is a strong supporter of the industry, the NRAEF, and the National Restaurant Association
- Shows leadership in the community and at the state, regional, and national levels
- Shows extraordinary leadership and is highly regarded across the industry
- Serves as a tireless champion for restaurant workers from all backgrounds
- Is a “best-in-class” role model for the next generation of industry leaders
- Has a track record of putting people and communities first and creates opportunity
Awards FAQs
What are the nomination criteria?
The 2024 Restaurants Advance Leadership Awards will honor the industry’s best-of-the-best in community impact and driving inclusion.
How do I submit a nomination?
Use the buttons on this page, above, to access the nomination forms for each award.
Follow this link to our Awards Terms and Conditions.
Who is eligible for a Restaurants Advance Leadership Award?
The My Journey, Inclusion Innovator, and Community Champion Leasdership awards will each recognize an individual for their positive impact. Please submit nominations accordingly. Employees of the National Restaurant Association, the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation, and its affiliates are not eligible to participate in the nomination process.
Can I nominate someone in more than one category?
Yes! A single nominee may be submitted for multiple awards. Please complete separate nominations for each award.
When can I nominate an individual or restaurant for a Restaurants Advance Leadership Award?
Nominations will be open May 13, 2024 through July 12, 2024. Access to the nomination forms can be found on this page and this address: https://chooserestaurants.org/awards
How are the award winners selected?
NRAEF’s Restaurants Advance Leadership Award winners are chosen by a diverse industry panel representing a wide range of perspectives and expertise. This ensures that our recognition truly reflects the richness and variety of talent within our community.
When will winners be notified?
Winners will be notified on or before August 15, 2024.
What will the winners receive?
The NRAEF will designate a special $2,500 scholarship to be awarded to a student who embodies the spirit and ideals of each winner.
Want more information? Email comms@nraef.org.
The 2023 Restaurants Advance Leadership Awards winners: (left to right) Sue Petersen, Carl Sobocinski, Michael Hickey, and Lakisha Hunter.
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