About Plated Forward
Transforming lives through the power of food, community, and opportunity.
Our Story
Plated Forward was founded on the belief that food is more than sustenance—it's a catalyst for transformation, community, and hope. We recognized that people experiencing homelessness possess incredible potential and deserve access to meaningful opportunities.
Our journey began with a simple question: What if we could use culinary training to unlock doors, build confidence, and create pathways to employment and dignity? The answer was Plated Forward—a nonprofit dedicated to culinary training, community support, and creating real opportunities for those we serve.
Every day, our team of passionate volunteers and professional chefs work alongside participants in our community, witnessing remarkable transformations. From the first knife cut to their first job interview, we're there—providing not just training, but encouragement, mentorship, and genuine community.
Our approach is holistic: we provide meals, teach skills, build networks, and support participants every step of the way. We believe that everyone deserves the chance to build a future, and we're committed to making that possible.
Building Futures Together
500+
People Served
Through partnerships with local shelters and community organizations, we continue serving individuals experiencing homelessness across Chicago.
2026
Training Initiative
Fundraising is underway to launch a dedicated culinary training and community kitchen space focused on opportunity, stability, and transformation.
9
Community Partners
Organizations collaborating with us to expand opportunity, support, and community impact across Chicago.
More Than Numbers
Behind every statistic is a human story. A mother who found stable housing through her new job. A young adult who discovered their passion and became a chef instructor. A community that grew stronger through shared meals and genuine connection. Our impact is measured not just in outcomes, but in lives transformed and futures built.
Board of Directors
Bohdana Sardak
Vice Chair
Bohdana Sardak serves as Vice Chair of the Plated Forward Board of Directors, bringing deep expertise in enterprise resilience, strategic planning, and systems leadership to the organization’s mission of building pathways toward stability and opportunity. As Director of Enterprise Resilience at Walmart, Bohdana leads global programs focused on crisis response, continuity planning, and organizational preparedness across one of the world’s largest companies. Her work centers on creating sustainable systems that help people and organizations navigate uncertainty with confidence, adaptability, and long-term resilience. Prior to Walmart, Bohdana held leadership roles at Fusion Risk Management, where she received national recognition for her innovation, mentorship, and impact within the resilience and technology sectors, including honors from the Business Continuity Institute and Built In’s Moxie Awards. At Plated Forward, Bohdana applies her experience in operational strategy and human-centered leadership to help strengthen the organization’s long-term vision. As the organization expands its partnerships and works toward establishing a dedicated culinary training and community kitchen space, she is passionate about building the structures, support systems, and collaborative relationships that empower individuals experiencing homelessness to move forward with dignity and stability. Bohdana believes meaningful change is created through thoughtful planning, compassionate leadership, and strong community connection—values that continue to guide her work with Plated Forward and the communities it serves.
Minal Vahora
Chief Financial Officer
Minal Vahora serves as Chief Financial Officer of Plated Forward, bringing a unique combination of financial expertise, public health leadership, and community-centered advocacy to the organization’s mission. With a Bachelor’s degree in Finance and a Master’s in Public Health, Minal has built her career around aligning financial strategy with meaningful social impact. Her experience as a healthcare CFO has focused on optimizing resources, strengthening operational sustainability, and ensuring funding supports long-term outcomes for the communities and individuals served. Beyond her professional work, Minal has remained deeply committed to philanthropy, public health advocacy, and community engagement. She has led fundraising initiatives for the American Heart Association, supported maternal health awareness efforts through Every Mother Counts, and partnered with nonprofit healthcare organizations to help expand access to critical medical resources. Over the years, she has also volunteered alongside Chef Taye at local shelters, where she witnessed firsthand the importance of dignity, nourishment, and compassionate community support. At Plated Forward, Minal plays a key role in guiding the organization’s financial strategy as it continues building partnerships, expanding community outreach, and fundraising toward the development of a dedicated culinary training and community kitchen space. She is passionate about helping create sustainable systems that allow the organization to grow its impact while remaining grounded in care, opportunity, and human connection. Through thoughtful financial stewardship and mission-driven leadership, Minal is committed to helping Plated Forward build futures through food, community, and lasting support.
Chef Taye Opere
Founder, CEO & Chef Instructor
Chef Taye Opere is the Founder, CEO, and Chef Instructor of Plated Forward. With a strong background in culinary leadership and community service, he founded the organization with the belief that food can do more than nourish hunger—it can create connection, restore dignity, and open pathways toward long-term stability and opportunity. Through partnerships with local shelters and community organizations across Chicago, Chef Taye has led initiatives focused on serving meals, strengthening relationships, and supporting individuals experiencing homelessness with compassion and care. As the organization continues to grow, he is leading the vision to establish a dedicated culinary training and community kitchen space that will provide hands-on culinary instruction, mentorship, workforce readiness, and supportive reintegration opportunities. As Chef Instructor, Taye is passionate about creating an environment where individuals can develop practical kitchen skills while building confidence, purpose, and community. His work is rooted in collaboration, culturally inclusive food experiences, and the belief that meaningful change happens through both practical support and human connection. Through every meal served and every partnership formed, Chef Taye remains committed to creating spaces where people feel seen, valued, and empowered to move forward. He believes everyone deserves dignity, opportunity, and a seat at the table.
Our Partners
Plated Forward's success is built on the generosity and commitment of our partners. We work closely with nonprofits, restaurants, community organizations, individual volunteers, and donors who share our vision of transformation through food and community.